Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ridgway, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company based in Ridgway itself, specializing in custom solar solutions for the unique high-altitude and mountainous environment of the San Juan region. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of local permitting, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems.
A leading solar provider from the nearby town of Telluride, they have extensive experience serving the entire San Juan region, including Ridgway. They are recognized for high-quality installations, strong manufacturer partnerships, and a comprehensive approach that includes energy efficiency assessments.
Located in Montrose, the primary commercial hub for the region, Sun Electric is a well-established, full-service provider that actively serves Ridgway. They offer robust financing and leasing options and are known for their professional project management and strong customer service track record.
The home solar market in Ridgway, Colorado, is characterized by high-quality, specialized providers catering to a unique environment. The region has exceptional solar potential with over 300 days of sunshine annually, but installations must be engineered for heavy snow loads, high winds, and complex off-grid needs due to the rural and mountainous terrain. Competition is moderate, with a handful of highly skilled local and regional companies dominating the market, rather than national chains. Pricing is typically above the national average due to the custom nature of the systems, travel requirements, and the need for robust, weather-resistant equipment. A typical residential installation can range from $20,000 to $45,000+ before incentives, heavily dependent on system size, battery backup requirements, and site-specific challenges. Homeowners in Ridgway are generally well-informed about both state and federal incentives, which local providers are adept at navigating.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ridgway regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ridgway, Colorado.
Ridgway's high altitude (7,000+ ft) actually increases solar production due to less atmospheric filtering of sunlight, making it an excellent location for solar. While winter snow can temporarily cover panels, their dark surfaces and tilt facilitate quick melting and shedding. Installations are engineered for heavy snow loads and use cold-rated components to ensure durability and year-round efficiency, with winter production still being significant on clear days.
The gross system cost for a typical Ridgway home ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives. Crucially, Colorado homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and there is no state sales tax on residential solar installations. Additionally, you can participate in net metering with your local utility (typically San Miguel Power Association or Tri-State), earning credits for excess power sent to the grid, which is vital for offsetting lower winter production.
Yes, you must obtain a building permit from Ouray County. The process is generally straightforward for certified installers who handle it for you. Ridgway has no town-level solar access rights, so if your home is within a Homeowners Association (HOA), you must review its covenants. However, Colorado's "Solar Rights Act" (CRS §38-32.5-101) significantly restricts HOAs from outright prohibiting solar installations, though they may have reasonable guidelines on placement.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in the Western Colorado region, as they understand local climate, utility policies, and permitting. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from local installations and ensure they offer robust warranties (25+ years on panels, 10+ years on workmanship). Local or regional companies often provide more responsive long-term service.
A standard grid-tied solar system will shut off during a grid outage for safety, even if the sun is shining. To have power during winter outages, you must pair your solar panels with a battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This setup stores excess solar energy for use at night or during outages, providing crucial backup power. Properly sized, it can keep essential loads running through storms, complementing the strong solar generation you get on clear winter days.