Are you considering installing solar panels on your home? If so, Triton Roofing & Solar, the leader in solar panel installation in Colorado Springs, is here to help with your project and any questions you may have.
Triton Roofing & Solar [Solar Division] is a solar energy system service contractor in Colorado Springs. We power what matters most! Our solar services include the installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of solar panels for residential and commercial customers. Locally and veteran-owned. COSSA Member. We are the only NABCEP PV Design Specialists in El Paso County. 20+ years of experience. 350+ projects installed and serviced. Industry-leading brand equipment and materials: Enphase, Silfab, Q. Cells, REC, IronRidge, S-5!. Unmatched 10-year workmanship warranty. Our top-trained and experienced staff make all the difference — great product, great results, and always a 5-star customer service.
Significantly reduce your electric bill. Feel good about using clean energy. Contact us today for a 100% transparent, upfront pricing solar panel installation estimate for your home or business.
At Triton Solar & Roofing, we recognize that going solar is a big move for homeowners in Colorado Springs. With that in mind, we have answered some of the most common questions about residential solar panels in Colorado Springs …
General Questions About Solar Panels
Why should I install solar panels in Colorado Springs?
Installing solar panels provides homeowners with a source of renewable energy that:
- reduces monthly energy costs
- increases home value
- protects against rising utility rates
How do solar panels make electricity for my home?
Solar panels generate electricity by capturing sunlight energy using photovoltaic cells. This energy is converted to DC, then to AC by an inverter. The solar electricity matches the grid’s energy and is directly consumed on-site; any excess production is then fed back into the grid for a credit. This billing process is referred to as Net Metering.
Are solar panels good in Colorado’s climate?
Solar panels perform better than under standard testing conditions in Colorado, as Colorado Springs receives 300+ days of sunlight per year. Due to the region’s higher elevations, Colorado offers many clear days throughout the year where a solar panel system can generate electricity.
Do you offer commercial solar panel installation?
Yes, we offer commercial solar panel installation services.
Cost and Financing
What is the price of solar panels in Colorado Springs?
The typical cost of solar panels in Colorado Springs ranges from $2.73 to $3.05 per watt installed. For a standard 10 kW residential system, the system cost averages $27,342 to $28,414. The cost depends on:
- energy consumption
- the size of the roof
- specific equipment options
- electrical upgrades (if applicable)
Resource: energysage.com
Resource: poweroutage.us
Can I finance the cost of installing solar panels?
Most solar financing programs have long loan terms, high interest rates, and dealer fees baked in. Because of this, the only loans we refer our customers to are the state-run RENU program. The loans are for any project that reduces your carbon footprint, and they offer below-market interest rates, no dealer fees, zero-down loans, and no penalties for paying off the loan early. For more details on RENU, check out their website here.
Installation Process
How long does the installation of solar panels take?
Roof installation takes between one and three days. The entire process, from contract to permission to operate, can take several weeks and involve:
- site evaluation
- design
- permitting
- installation
- inspections
What is the process for getting solar panels installed?
Our Triton Solar & Roofing engineer will begin by assessing your site and designing a system tailored to your needs. Then we complete the permitting process with your local authorities. The next step is the physical installation, followed by 3 inspections. After the final electrical inspection passes, the utility will install your new meter(s) and grant you Permission to operate. Once the system is operational, we provide a complimentary final walkthrough in which we explain the system components, set up the system, go over the monitoring app, and answer any questions you have.
Do I need to make any modifications to my roof or home?
- The vast majority of roofs can handle the weight of a solar panel array without major modifications.
- Your site assessment will include a roofing expert who will evaluate the condition of your roof.
- If there are issues or upgrades required for your roof and/or electric panel, those will be addressed during the proposal stage before any work commences.
Energy Savings and Efficiency
How much money can I save on my energy bills with solar panels?
How much you save varies widely by your current usage, the size of your solar array, and local utility rates. However, if sized correctly, it is very possible to save most, if not all, of your monthly electrical payments. Over 25+ years, an average homeowner will save tens of thousands of dollars.
How efficient are solar panels in Colorado’s sunny but snowy climate?
Solar panels operate surprisingly well in the winter. The snow in El Paso County doesn’t stick around for more than a day or two, and with the solar panels made of glass, it sheds quickly. Winter brings colder temperatures, which increases the voltage on the DC side and thus is better for production. Lastly, if there is snow and it’s a sunny day, the reflection from the snow can increase production. Colorado Springs is an area that sees great production year-round.
Can solar panels provide enough energy to power my entire home?
Ideally, yes, our local utilities allow solar systems to be built at 120% of your historical consumption. As long as there’s enough adequate roof space, our goal is to get our customers’ solar arrays as close to a 120% offset as possible.
Maintenance and Longevity
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels today are built to last and will generally come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty. After this date, solar panels will continue to produce energy but will gradually lose efficiency.
What kind of maintenance do solar panels require?
A solar energy system requires little to no maintenance because it has few moving parts. Solar panels in Colorado Springs usually get enough rain and snowmelt to keep them clean and efficient. However, it is wise to clean the panels periodically during extended dry weather to maximize efficiency. The only “maintenance” is to check your monitoring app regularly to ensure there aren’t any issues, and call our office if you see anything out of the ordinary.
What if I get hail or snow damage on my panels?
Tier 1 panels are tested to withstand snow loads and hail impacts typical in Colorado. If it’s the very unlikely event of major damage, your homeowners’ insurance policy will typically cover the cost of replacing any physically damaged panels. The cost of removing and reinstalling a new roof is included in your insurance deductible. We work with insurance companies daily and are experts at ensuring you get the most out of any claim.
Local Rules/Permits
Are there local regulations/permits I’ll need for a solar installation in Colorado Springs?
Building and electrical permits are required for the safe, code-compliant installation of solar panels. These permits are handled through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. This permitting process is managed for you by Triton Solar & Roofing. The result? A smooth, hassle-free, fully-permitted system installation!
Do I need HOA approval to install solar panels on my roof?
Yes. You do need to notify your HOA of your plan to install solar panels; however, under Colorado law, they cannot prohibit you from using solar to power your home. They may request aesthetic changes that are reasonable and standard for the neighborhood.
The Environment
What is the environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels are a zero-emission, zero-water-cooling alternative to fossil-fuel power plants that help reduce your carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gas emissions!
Are solar panels recyclable?
Yes, the glass, aluminum, and certain types of plastics found within solar panels are recyclable materials. As the solar industry grows and new recycling facilities open, it’s becoming increasingly easy to properly recycle your solar panels at the end of their life cycle.
Net Metering/Utility Credits
What is net metering? How does it work in Colorado Springs?
- The net metering agreement you enter into with your utility company allows you to send the excess electricity your solar panels generate back to the power grid and receive a utility credit on your energy bill.
- During nighttime or on cloudy days, when you have lower solar production, you can use these solar credits to offset your energy use.
Can I actually sell excess energy back to the grid?
Net metering does not require you to sell your excess energy back to the grid at a specific rate; instead, you will simply accumulate utility credits for your excess power. Each month’s credits roll over to offset your energy bill, which is how many homeowners reduce or eliminate their utility bills.
Do I still need to use the utility company after I install solar panels?
Unless you’re installing a completely off-grid solar system with large batteries, you will likely want to stay connected to the utility grid for net metering and when the sun doesn’t shine.
Choosing a Solar Installer
How do I choose the best solar installation company in Colorado Springs?
Pick an installer with years of local experience, roofing knowledge, and a clear pricing model. A company such as Triton Solar & Roofing can meet both your solar and your roofing needs.
What questions should I ask a solar installer before hiring them?
Ask about their licenses, experience with local permitting, equipment warranties, and whether the work is done in-house or by subcontractors. Make sure it’s a company that will assist you with any future issues. We pride ourselves on taking great care of our customers, whether it’s during your installation, expansion, or operations issue.
Other Considerations
Can I install solar panels on a home I plan to sell in the near future?
Selling a home with solar is a very popular option, and the system adds value and appeal to the house for buyers who will appreciate lower monthly bills. With an outright-owned system, a home’s resale value can cover the initial solar investment.
What happens to my solar panels if I move to a new home?
Solar systems remain with the home when it is sold, as the panels are a permanent part of it. The system warranties are also transferable to the next owner.
Are there options for battery storage to store excess solar energy?
A solar energy system with batteries allows homeowners to store excess energy produced during the day and use it at night, or during power outages. Triton Solar & Roofing offers top-of-the-line battery solutions to help you maximize solar savings and have reliable power during outages. For more information on batteries, check out our Triton Energy Solutions website.
Ready to go solar for your home?
Contact Triton Solar & Roofing today to schedule a consultation and obtain a custom solar estimate for your home in Colorado Springs.