Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fort Collins, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Namaste Solar is an employee-owned cooperative and a certified B-Corporation with a strong reputation in Colorado. They are known for their ethical approach, high-quality installations, and exceptional customer service. Their business model as a co-op aligns their success directly with customer satisfaction.
A nationally recognized company with a significant local presence. Blue Raven Solar is praised for its streamlined process, attractive financing options, and strong warranty packages. They focus on making solar accessible and hassle-free for homeowners.
While headquartered slightly south, Photon Brothers has a formidable reputation for serving the Northern Colorado market, including Fort Collins. They are particularly noted for their comprehensive service, including cutting-edge diagnostic technology for maintenance and a strong focus on system optimization and cleaning.
** The home solar market in Fort Collins is mature and highly competitive, driven by the city's commitment to sustainability (Fort Collins Climate Action Plan), an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, and favorable net metering policies from the local utility, Fort Collins Utilities. The market quality is generally high, with numerous established, reputable providers holding necessary licenses and certifications (e.g., NABCEP). Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and strong customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), with the final cost heavily dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. Homeowners in Fort Collins are generally well-informed and value both technical expertise and a company's local reputation.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fort Collins regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Fort Collins' high number of sunny days (over 300 per year) makes it excellent for solar, despite winter snow. Solar panels are efficient in cold weather, and snow typically melts quickly due to their dark surfaces and tilt. Annual production is strong, with peak generation in sunnier months offsetting lower winter output, ensuring a good yearly energy yield.
Fort Collins offers excellent local incentives through Fort Collins Utilities. These include a rebate of up to $1,500 for residential systems and a favorable net metering policy that credits you at the full retail rate for excess energy sent to the grid. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit and Colorado's exemption of solar systems from property tax increases, the financial package is very strong.
The timeline typically spans 2 to 4 months. This includes system design, securing permits from the City of Fort Collins Building Department, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the "interconnection" process where Fort Collins Utilities reviews and approves the system to be turned on and connected to the grid.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience, as they understand Fort Collins Utilities' specific interconnection requirements and building codes. Ensure they are certified (e.g., NABCEP) and licensed in Colorado. Always check local reviews, ask for references from Fort Collins homeowners, and verify they handle the entire permitting process with the city.
Yes, it can still be viable. A reputable local installer will conduct a detailed shade analysis using tools like a Solar Pathfinder. They can design a system using modern panel technologies (like microinverters or power optimizers) that minimize production loss from shading on individual panels. The goal is to ensure your system's production still meets your financial and energy goals.