Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Orchard, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Photon Solar is a leading regional installer known for its comprehensive in-house services, from custom design to installation and maintenance. They are a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and have a strong reputation for customer service and system quality.
SunPath Energy specializes in both grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions, making them an excellent choice for rural properties in areas like Orchard. They are known for their robust system designs and deep knowledge of local incentives and net metering policies.
As a larger, nationally-recognized company with a strong local presence, Blue Raven Solar offers competitive financing options and a streamlined process. They are a good fit for homeowners seeking a straightforward path to solar with minimal upfront cost through their proprietary financing plans.
** The home solar market for Orchard, Colorado, and the surrounding Morgan County area is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality service from regional and national providers. Due to Colorado's excellent solar incentives (including the federal ITC and strong net metering policies), high number of sunny days, and relatively high electricity costs from utilities like Xcel Energy, the adoption rate is strong. **Average Quality:** The quality of installers serving this region is generally high, with most top-tier companies holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with premium equipment manufacturers like Tesla, Qcells, and Enphase. **Competition Level:** Competition is significant. While Orchard itself is a smaller market, it is part of the lucrative Front Range corridor. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing, more attractive financing offers, and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Colorado ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost would be approximately **$10,500 to $14,700**. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available and can bring the upfront cost to zero for many homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Orchard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Orchard, Colorado.
Orchard's high altitude and over 245 sunny days per year are excellent for solar production, especially in summer. Winter snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold actually improves panel efficiency. Installers in the area use robust racking systems and wiring rated for Colorado's temperature swings and UV exposure.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Colorado ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, you benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, Colorado's state sales tax exemption for renewable energy equipment, and Xcel Energy's (the local utility) strong net metering program. These incentives can reduce your net cost by 35-50%, significantly shortening the payback period.
All installations in Orchard require an electrical permit from the Town of Orchard and must pass inspection. Your system must also comply with the specific interconnection requirements of Xcel Energy, which services the area. A reputable local installer will handle this entire permitting process, ensuring your system meets all Colorado building codes and utility rules.
Prioritize Colorado-based installers with extensive experience on the Front Range. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for local references in Orchard or nearby communities like Brighton, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to our local weather patterns and your roof's orientation.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a battery backup. Regarding hail, Colorado installers use panels rated for severe weather, typically UL 61730 certified to withstand 1-inch hail at 50+ mph. Your homeowner's insurance policy should cover panels, but it's wise to confirm this with your provider, as hail damage is a common concern in our region.