Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Model, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local Colorado installer known for high-quality custom designs and exceptional customer service. They specialize in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, with a strong emphasis on pairing installations with top-tier battery storage solutions. Their consultants are highly knowledgeable about state and federal incentives.
A prominent regional provider with a strong focus on making solar accessible through a variety of financing and leasing options. They have strong manufacturer partnerships (e.g., Qcells, Enphase) and offer comprehensive maintenance and repair plans. Known for a streamlined process and clear communication.
A Colorado-born company that has built a strong reputation for reliability and robust system design, particularly for homes with challenging roof lines or specific aesthetic requirements. They offer a full suite of services from consultation and design to cleaning and ongoing system monitoring.
** The home solar market in the region serving Model, Colorado is mature, competitive, and of high overall quality. Colorado's abundant sunshine, favorable net metering policies, and strong state-level incentives (alongside federal tax credits) create a robust environment for solar adoption. The competition is fierce among installers, which generally benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Average Quality & Competition:** The market is split between large national firms and strong local/regional specialists. The top-tier local companies, like those listed, often compete effectively on personalized service, deeper local expertise, and knowledge of specific regional installation challenges (e.g., hail, snow loads). **Typical Pricing:** For a standard grid-tied residential system (6kW - 10kW), the gross cost before incentives typically ranges from **$18,000 to $30,000**. After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost to the homeowner is often between **$12,600 and $21,000**. Many providers offer $0-down loan and lease options, making the initial financial barrier to entry very low. Overall, the market is well-developed, offering consumers in Model a variety of excellent, reputable choices for transitioning to solar energy.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Model regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Model, Colorado.
Model's high-altitude, semi-arid climate is excellent for solar, with over 245 sunny days per year providing strong production. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the intense Colorado sun combined with reflective snow can lead to surprisingly high production on clear winter days. Summer months yield peak generation, perfectly aligning with higher air conditioning usage.
Model homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. At the state level, Colorado offers a strong incentive through Xcel Energy's (the area utility) Solar*Rewards program, which pays you for the renewable energy credits your system produces. Additionally, your solar installation is exempt from both state sales tax and county property tax increases, protecting your investment's value.
The full process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and permitting with local Las Animas County officials and Xcel Energy, installation itself usually takes 1-3 days. The most variable step is waiting for Xcel Energy to approve the interconnection agreement and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. Timing can be slower if starting in late fall, as some winter weather may cause minor delays.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in Las Animas County and a proven track record of navigating Xcel Energy's interconnection process smoothly. Look for certified, licensed, and insured local or regional companies (not just national sales outfits) and insist on references from recent installations in the area. They should provide a detailed production estimate specific to Model's weather patterns and be transparent about how they handle snow management on your roof.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless you invest in a dedicated solar battery backup. With Xcel Energy's net metering program, your meter spins backward when you produce excess energy, banking credits on your account. You then use these credits at night or on cloudy days, with an annual "true-up" period where Xcel settles any remaining credit balance at a lower, predetermined rate.