Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Silverthorne, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated Summit County leader specializing in high-altitude and complex mountain installations. They are renowned for their personalized service, deep knowledge of local building codes, and expertise in handling heavy snow loads and harsh weather conditions. Their focus is on quality over quantity.
A highly-rated regional provider known for its exceptional customer service and comprehensive "solar and roofing" integration. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like Qcells and Enphase, ensuring high-quality equipment and performance.
As one of the nation's largest residential solar companies, Sunrun offers significant advantages in financing options and purchasing power. They are a strong choice for homeowners interested in leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with minimal upfront cost. Their national presence provides brand recognition and a long-term service guarantee.
** The home solar market in Silverthorne and the surrounding Summit County is **high-quality and moderately competitive**. The unique high-altitude environment, with heavy snowfall and specific building codes, creates a barrier to entry that favors experienced, local specialists over generic national installers. * **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving this area is high. Companies must demonstrate expertise in engineering for snow loads (both weight and slide), optimizing panel angles for mountain sun exposure, and navigating local permit processes. * **Competition Level:** The market is not oversaturated but features a healthy mix of a few highly-regarded local specialists (like Active Energies) and larger regional/national players (like Sunrun and Photon Brothers). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on service quality. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally at a premium compared to the national average due to the logistical challenges and specialized engineering required for mountain installations. However, this is offset by high electricity rates from Xcel Energy and excellent solar incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit and strong state-level net metering policies. A typical residential system in Silverthorne can range from **$25,000 to $45,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Silverthorne regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Silverthorne, Colorado.
Silverthorne's high altitude (over 9,000 ft) means clearer skies and stronger solar irradiance, which can boost panel efficiency. While heavy winter snow can temporarily cover panels, their slick, angled design promotes quick shedding, and cold temperatures actually improve photovoltaic output. Installers in Summit County use specialized racking for heavy snow loads and will position panels to optimize year-round sun exposure, considering our specific mountain topography.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical Silverthorne home system costs between $15,000-$25,000. Colorado-specific incentives include Xcel Energy's strong net metering program (crediting you for excess power) and a sales tax exemption on renewable energy equipment. Importantly, Summit County and the Town of Silverthorne have streamlined permitting processes, which helps control soft costs, and adding solar does not increase your property tax assessment.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Summit County's permitting jurisdictions and building codes. They should be adept at designing systems for heavy snow loads, variable roof pitches common in mountain architecture, and navigating Xcel Energy's interconnection process. Check for Colorado-licensed electricians (a requirement), strong warranties, and ask for references from nearby projects to see how systems perform through full winter seasons.
From signing a contract to system activation, plan for 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the Town of Silverthorne, scheduling installation around mountain weather, and final inspection and interconnection with Xcel Energy. Winter installations are possible but can be delayed by severe weather, so many homeowners aim for a spring or summer project start to ensure activation before the next snowy season.
No, a standard grid-tied system will automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall). This is a particularly valuable consideration in Silverthorne, where winter storms can cause outages. A battery stores excess solar energy, providing critical backup for essential loads and is eligible for the same federal tax credit as the solar panels themselves.