With so many solar companies to choose from, we know how daunting it can be to find an installer you can trust with your home’s solar system. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best solar companies in Colorado Springs, CO, as rated by our SolarReviews experts and Colorado Springs residents who’ve already gone solar.
We look for solar companies with owners who understand that when they sell you a solar system, you expect them to be there for the next 25 years to fix any issues that may arise. Here are the top companies we recommend for solar in Colorado Springs:
Company Description
Why choose Smart Wave Solar? We are locally owned and operated, and have extensive experience. We know what we're doing and we have an excellent reputation. We offer amazing prices without cutting corners. We use high-end solar equipment and offer exceptional ...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
10 / 10
Litigation and background
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
9 / 10
Profitability of installer
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
5 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
7 / 10
Time in business
5 / 5
Company size and location
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
10 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
5 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
5 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
Negatives:
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Tim P | 01-28-2025
I had my system sized, designed, and installed by Smart Wave Solar. Signing paperwork to completed install was under 3 months for a 10.5kW system. While the initial contact from Steve Michels was for a different brand of panels he was completely open to my request to get REC Group panels with a similar price with no pushback or attempted to steer me to a different panel that might have had better incentives for Smart Wave. Very happy with the system, install, and process.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Chris I. | Bluffdale, UT | 11-23-2024
This company is great...Until they get paid
I will start by saying that I very seldomly write bad reviews. I'm a retired Army Medic of 27 years. I always appreciate anyone who works on my home, especially the end line workers doing the hard and dirty work. I've been there...A LOT. I provide drinks and food when accepted and ALWAYS have it available. I open my house to allow workers to use my bathroom rather than sending them to a gas station. In other words, I know how to take care of people who do work I can't. I'm very easy going regarding minor errors as we're all only human. However, apparently Smart Wave takes understanding and tolerance as a sense of inherent weakness, hence this review. I started working with Smart Wave in October 2023. It was the typical sales engagement regarding up selling and encouragement not to wait too long. This is to be expected. It wasn't over the top, just...well, typical. My system (which included a roof replacement) was $50,000.00! Paperwork to start the process began October/November 2023. It took until March to finally get the system installed and running. This was due, in part to several paperwork errors between Smart Wave and the power company. A company that works in only two states would seem to have their collective act together regarding proper paperwork, proper labeling, and proper installation of the base electrical equipment. Instead, it was rookie-like in the sheer incompetence. I let it slide... During the installation, the install team punched a small hole above my garage about the size of a grapefruit because driving with a ladder on a vehicle is really hard. The whole was minor, and I was told it would be repaired. I received an email that someone would contact me about the repair...Nothing. Gentle reminder to Smart Wave...another platitude and a promise I would get a call...Once again, nothing. It took me talking directly with my salesman after two company promises to finally get someone out here to fix the hole...Again, I let it slide. In May 2024 I received a 60-day system check informing me that the system was UNDER producing. I IMMEDIATELY responded to said email and asked for another system check. In this situation, I will accept some culpability because I honestly didn't follow up with the company. But should a customer have to run down a multi-million-dollar company? I contend information should be designed based on a push versus pull system. Afterall, Smart Wave admitted that the system was under producing. In any event, I failed to chase them down and over time completely forgot. Now, a professional company, knowing FULL well the system they installed is underperforming would send someone to check the system in question...NOPE, NADA, ZILCH. No phone calls, emails, texts or anything from this company to reach out and address the issue. Interestingly enough, there is a disclaimer that states something to the effect of the company NOT being responsible for issues unless they are notified. Well, a professional organization, ADMITTING to a system not working as advertised would be interested in protecting their companies good name, right? Nope. Fast forward to November 2024 and I received an email stating that their "technical team" would review my underperforming $50K system. I expressed my disdain regarding the fact that the November email was one week shy of SIX MONTHS for them to respond to my request for another 60-day check...Again, I forgot to repeatedly harass Smart Wave to do, well, their JOB! More platitudes and apologies from the company with some half-baked excuse about "changing systems" and "some" customers emails and/or account info were "lost or improperly" routed to other departments. If, in fact that was the case, the other departments in the company are equally as unprofessional. I mean, I always allow my business email and correspondence traffic to sit, unread, for six months so it can be routed properly! It's either sheer and utter negligence, downright laziness or deliberately trying to ignore their customers. The next email I receive (the next day) states that the technical assessment indicates that there "appears to be an issue with how the strings are connected". ONCE AGAIN, they can see the issue from the top of their system but NEVER sent anyone out to check it, knowing FULL-WELL the issue, as they allege above is due to an improper INSTALLATION! I mean, come on man; really?! Apparently, someone will be here to check my system the beginning of December to correct shoddy work from almost a year ago. Now, my anger stems from the fact that Smart Wave appears to be efficient and professional, but it also appears once they cash your check, it's catch as catch can regarding what you may receive for follow-up customer service. While $50K is budget dust to a company like this, it's a hard hit for someone living on military retirement income. I've been paying for a system for almost a year AND paying more than I should be for electricity due to incompetence and complacency. I fully expect a myriad reasons, (i.e. excuses) for this experience which, I'm sure will be easily written off as a "we're sorry for your experience". I'm further sure that if any restitution is to be offered, it will be MY responsibility to provide the burden of proof, even though all correspondence is in their system...But, Oh wait - Their records are probably lost due to the system switch they conducted. The last thing I'll say is Smart Wave seems to have more good than bad ratings. For that reason and that reason alone, I will not make them come rip out the entire system from my house. One thing is for sure, I will caution anyone who asks that there's a chance they'll have an experience similar to mine. Buyer beware!
See full reviewCompany Description
ION Solar is a premium, full-service solar provider. ION offers affordable solar solutions that give customers the benefits of solar with little or no up-front costs. Full-service includes a custom-designed system using premium equipment and they handle all of...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
9 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
10 / 10
Profitability of installer
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
4 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
3 / 5
Transparency about reputation
10 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
4 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
Negatives:
1 / 5
Company size and location
2 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
2 / 10
Litigation and background
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Israel Rodriguez-Munoz | Buda, TX | 02-12-2025
Amazing Service
Noe was an excellent person to deal with, the whole ION Solar team customer service is the reason that I decided to go with them and not another solar company. ION will give you updates every step of the way as well so you’re not lost and wondering what the progress is! Definitely recommend them for anybody looking for Solar Panels!
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
rich | 02-06-2025
should change their customer service
today my system is not working all lights are flashing red I call and their answer is oh just wait it may clear up really so I have to go a day not producing and hope it clears up other words oh crap this one is still under warranty we can't make money it may be a delay really it reported 6 hrs ago and nothing since obviously something is not right but lets not look into it right it might cost us money. this solar company seems like in my opinion does not stand up to their commitments or warranties lets hope it fixes itself instead of hey let us go look at it and see if there is a problem no lets go get the next unfortunate soul have them sign a contract and then we will ghost them. nice way to do business
See full reviewCompany Description
Freedom Solar is a full-service solar company installing solar panels and backup power systems for homeowners and businesses since 2007. Our mission is to provide complete residential and commercial solar power solutions with quality craftsmanship, attention t...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
10 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Litigation and background
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
10 / 10
Profitability of installer
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
4 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
3 / 5
Company size and location
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
10 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
4 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
Negatives:
2 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Agnes | Houston, TX | 01-21-2025
Silvana is very knowledgeable in helping us with understanding Freedom solar products, advantages with switching to solar and selecting the right package for our needs. She is very supportive throughout the whole process and keeps us informed at all times. I would recommend to my friends and family to Silvana if they are also considering to switch to Solar.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Jeff Christiansen | Orlando, FL | 01-04-2025
Poor customer service
I can not believe how unprofessional customer service is. Even once I finally talked to a manager and agreed he would call me back he still has not reached back out to me after two weeks. I’m now worried about any warranty work.
See full reviewBest solar installers in Colorado Springs, CO
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smart Wave Solar | Elite | - | Get Quote | |
ION Solar | Elite | - | Get Quote | |
Freedom Solar Power | Elite | - | Get Quote | |
Complete Energy Solutions, LLC | Elite | Arvada | Get Quote | |
Solar Power Pros | Elite | Centennial | Get Quote | |
ARE Solar | Unrated | Denver | Get Quote | |
Golden Solar | Elite | Golden | Get Quote |
Best solar companies for home battery installations in Colorado Springs
Batteries have become increasingly popular because they take an intermittent energy source like solar and turn it into a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. We recommend getting a solar battery quote if you want a backup power source or if your utility company doesn’t have a net metering program that buys excess solar energy at the full price of power, as you could save a little extra on your electric bill.
Here are some Colorado Springs companies that install panels and solar battery storage systems:
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunshine Solar and Wind | Unrated | Westcliffe | Get Quote | |
Peak Solar Designs | Unrated | Salida | Get Quote | |
Peak View Solar - Out of Business | Unrated | Colorado Springs | Get Quote | |
Simply Efficient, LLC (Solar & Wind) | Unrated | Lakewood | Get Quote | |
Beaver Solar | Unrated | Centennial | Get Quote |
How to find the best solar panel company near you
Picking a solar company is the most important decision you make when going solar. You need to trust them to drill holes in your roof, help you navigate financing and incentives and provide you with 25+ years of customer service.
Check out this video where our founder, who also founded a successful solar installation company, explains what to look for when choosing the best solar company near you.
Top things to consider when choosing a solar company in Colorado Springs:
Years in business
One of the first things to look at when finding a company is how long they have been in business. We suggest looking for companies that have been around for at least five years, as the longer it has been in business, the more likely it is you’ll have a positive installation experience.
Companies with five or more years of experience will probably have established after-sales service and warranty support. It signals that they aren’t a company in it to make a quick buck; they’re in it for the long haul.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, which is why you should also keep a few other factors in mind.
Licenses, insurance, and certifications
Solar companies that are licensed, insured and hold certifications take their business seriously. Look for companies that have NABCEP Certified professionals or certified electricians on staff and are properly insured, so their workers, and you, are protected.
Financing options
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a solar panel installation. So, you’ll want to find a company with solar financing options that work for you. Ask for quotes for various types of financing plans to see which one will work best for your budget. Solar loans are often your next best choice if you can’t pay in cash. But, if you don’t pay federal income taxes or can’t qualify for a loan, finding a company that offers solar leases or power purchase agreements might be the right move.
Services and products offered
Don’t choose a company that can’t complete the job that you want to be done. If you need an energy storage system, get quotes from companies that install batteries! Maybe you want a particular brand of panels or an electric vehicle charger installation. Ask the company if they provide those services or carry those brands so you don’t have to settle for less.
Customer review scores
Customer ratings give valuable insight into how a solar company actually operates and treats its customers. Read SolarReviews, Google and Yelp reviews to understand the company’s installation process, sales practices and overall customer service. But remember that some companies incentivize customers to leave positive reviews, so make sure you read reviews with some scrutiny.
Warranty
Any reputable solar installation company will offer a workmanship or labor warranty that covers any damages that may occur during the installation process. We recommend using an installer with at least a ten-year labor warranty.
Some installation companies, like SunPower, include a system performance guarantee. This promises you’ll get a certain amount of electricity from your solar panels and is an excellent added protection.
Colorado Springs incentives and rebates
Solar incentives and rebates can cut the cost of installing solar in Colorado Springs by thousands of dollars. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available to any taxpayer in the country when they purchase solar panels or battery storage.
Some cities, counties, states and utility companies offer additional solar incentives, saving homeowners even more money. Here are the solar incentives available in Colorado Springs:
Incentive | Eligibility | Type |
---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment | State | Sales Tax Incentive |
RENU Loan Program | State | Loan Program |
Property Tax Exemption for Residential Renewable Energy Equipment | State | Property Tax Incentive |
Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
How much can you save with solar incentives?
What to look for in solar quotes in Colorado Springs
Once you’ve found a few companies you like, you can start getting solar quotes. You can get a better deal when you get quotes from multiple solar installers; we suggest getting at least three quotes. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for comparing quotes and what questions you should ask installers.
System size and energy production
All solar quotes should include the size of the system and how much energy it is projected to produce. Most of the quotes you get will probably be in the same ballpark. But, if one is drastically larger or smaller than the others — ask about it! Maybe one installer included shading from a tree, while another based its estimates on having that tree removed.
If you choose reliable installers, you can trust that these estimates will be as accurate as possible. But you can always double-check using the SolarReviews solar calculator and enter the information received in your quotes.
Pricing
You should know as much as possible about how much the solar panels cost. Make sure you know both the total cost of the system and the price per watt of solar installed. The cost per watt makes it easier to compare prices between quotes and gives you a better idea of how fairly the system is priced. The average price of solar is about $2.01 to $3.01 per watt in Colorado Springs, so anything in that range is a fair price.
Financing
Financing is one of the most important things to look for in your solar quote. There are a few different things to keep an eye out for, depending on what type of solar financing you’re using.
If you’re looking to use a solar loan, you should ask the company for both a cash quote and the financed quote. Solar loans include something called dealer fees, which can sometimes add 20% or more to the total cost of your system in exchange for a lower interest rate. It’s worth comparing what dealer fees and interest rates you’re quoted from different companies to get the best deal possible.
If you want a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you’ll want to look for an escalator clause in the contract. The escalator clause outlines how much your payments will go up every year. Ideally, this should be lower than the rate at which electric prices increase in your area, typically about 3% annually. If the escalator rate is higher than this, you could end up paying more than if you hadn’t gone solar at all!
Payback period
Some quotes may include when you’ll break even, meaning when your panels have saved as much as you spent on them.
If it’s not explicitly listed on the quote, you can compare any savings estimates they provide to the system’s total price and get a rough estimate of when your panels will pay themselves off. The shorter the payback period, the better.
Equipment
Good quality solar installers will carry good quality equipment. So if you pick an installer you trust, you can expect reliable products. But, it can’t hurt to research and ask the installer questions about what would be going on your roof.
Most solar panels installed today are about 400 watts in size and have efficiency ratings above 19%. Higher wattage and efficiency panels can produce slightly more electricity but may add a price premium. You’ll want to make sure the solar panels have the industry standard 25-year product and performance warranties.
Frequently asked questions about solar in Colorado Springs
How much do solar panels cost in Colorado Springs?
How much can solar panels save in Colorado Springs?
Do I need a solar battery in Colorado Springs?
How can you pay for solar panels in Colorado Springs?
What are the best solar companies for a solar lease in Colorado Springs?
What are the best solar companies for zero-down solar loans in Colorado Springs?
How SolarReviews rates installers
SolarReviews developed our Expert Rating criteria to make it easier for homeowners to find solar companies they can trust. It’s not just about the consumer reviews or the products they sell - it’s about how they treat their employees, how they support their customers, and if they run an honest business.
We used our team’s extensive knowledge of the solar industry to create a data-based scoring system for rating solar companies that encompasses all of the most important things to consider when picking the best solar company, including:
- Background checks
- Brand quality
- License and insurance
- Vertical integration
- Profitability
- Transparency
- Consumer reviews
- Loan options
- Local service
- Responsible pricing
Learn more about the SolarReviews Expert Rating system.
Andy is arguably the most qualified rooftop solar expert in America. He is in a unique position, having founded a large solar company but now being independent of any particular company. He has appeared on CNBC, has been referenced in public hearings concerning the rooftop solar industry ( such as the recent CPUC NEM 3 decision) and has been referenced by many major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and many others.