Have questions about going solar? Below we cover everything from the basics of solar energy to installation specifics. Find the answers you’re looking for about cost savings, environmental impact, system maintenance, and more. Dive into our detailed guide and discover how solar power can brighten your future.
Solar Power Basics
Switching to solar can lower or eliminate electricity bills, increase home resale value, reduce your carbon footprint, provide in-home EV charging and foster household energy independence.
Solar panels are cost-effective due to incentives and decreasing equipment costs. ROI typically occurs in 6-10 years, depending on usage and system size.
Yes, solar panels can produce electricity to charge your EV, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions. Convenient charging from home reduces the need for public charging stations, making EV ownership hassle-free.
Absolutely. With the right system size, solar panels can meet the entire energy demand of homes or businesses.
While solar panels can produce independent power, going completely off-grid requires storage solutions like batteries and potentially backup generators.
Solar batteries can store energy for use during nighttime or cloudy days. The duration depends on the battery capacity and household consumption. Excess electricity generated by panels is directed to batteries where it’s stored as chemical energy.
Permits are generally required for solar installations. Local municipalities determine specific permitting requirements. AES will guide you through the permitting process and ensure all requirements are met.
Solar panels contain cells, usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits the cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current, which is then captured and used as electricity.
kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy. It represents the energy consumed by a 1-kilowatt appliance running for one hour.
Panels might produce less due to shorter days and lower sun angle in winter. Battery performance can slightly decrease in cold temperatures but generally remains effective.
The Cost of Going Solar
Use the Solar Calculator and choose between a quick estimate or in-depth assessment of the costs and savings of a solar system on your property. For a free onsite assessment and customized proposal contact AES.
The average cost of solar panels varies based on system size and location, but typically ranges between $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives.
Once installed, solar panels significantly reduce or even eliminate monthly electricity bills. Over the system’s lifespan, homeowners can save thousands of dollars depending on local energy prices and solar production. Solar pays for itself.
Yes, Colorado provides various solar incentives, including tax credits, rebates, and net metering programs to reduce the cost of installation.
Why work with Active Energies Solar?
Active Energies specializes in solar solutions tailored for Colorado’s high country conditions, offering expertise, local knowledge, and top-quality equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Active Energies stands out due to its specialized focus on Colorado’s unique environment, combined with exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and a proven track record of successful installations.
Active Energies conducts a thorough assessment of your site, energy needs, and local conditions to design a solar system that maximizes efficiency and savings for your specific situation.
Active Energies Solar holds all necessary accreditations and certifications, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of installation and safety in the solar industry.
My Home
Roofs need to be structurally sound, have sufficient space, and be oriented towards the sun to accommodate solar panels. The amount of roof space needed depends on the size of the system you want to install and the efficiency of the panels you choose. On average, a typical residential solar panel requires about 15-20 square feet of space. It’s essential to have an onsite evaluation to determine the feasibility and ideal placement for your solar panels.
The number of solar panels depends on your energy usage, roof size, and sunlight exposure. A typical home may require 20-40 panels.
Solar panel installation involves mounting systems, which might require small penetrations in the roof. Proper installation ensures the roof remains watertight.
Yes, historical energy usage helps determine the right system size, ensuring your solar panels meet your energy needs efficiently.
If you own your roof, by law your HOA cannot reject your solar project. Active Energies Solar will work with your HOA to work within their guidelines and gain necessary approvals.
Solar Equipment
Basic solar equipment includes solar panels, an inverter, mounting hardware, wiring, and possibly a battery for energy storage.
Yes, many systems are grid-tied, meaning they provide power directly to your home without needing a battery. Excess power is sent back to the grid.
Tier 1 panels are made by larger, well-established manufacturers. Tier 2 panels might be from smaller or newer manufacturers. This classification was originally created by BloombergNEF in 2012. It’s not a system to judge the quality of solar panels – it’s actually a measure of ‘bankability,’ and is based solely on financial criteria. The assumption is that larger, well-established manufacturers will have a track record of quality and reliability; however, tier is not necessarily a direct indicator of quality or reliability.
The Process
To start the process, all AES will need is your email, phone number, address of the project and Annual Energy consumption (in KWh – kilowatt-hours).
The entire solar installation process, from consultation to activation, varies greatly in length. Once a contract is signed, the solar design and permitting phase typically takes 1-3 months.
During the onsite evaluation, a technician assesses your roof, its orientation, shading, and structural integrity. They’ll also review your energy needs and discuss system options.
After evaluation, you’ll receive a quote detailing system size, costs, and potential savings. Upon agreement, you’ll sign a contract, after which the permitting process begins. Once all permits and approvals are obtained, your project will be added to the installation schedule
Solar panel installation typically takes 1-3 days, but can vary based on system size and site specifics.
During installation, mounting hardware is secured to your roof, panels are attached, wiring is connected, and inverters are installed. Once set up, the system is tested for functionality.
In the hand-off process, you’ll receive a walkthrough of your new system, learn how to monitor its performance, and be informed of maintenance or warranty details. You’ll also get any necessary documentation for rebates or tax incentives.
Finance
AES is happy to work with your preferred bank or financial institution, or we will connect you with our preferred lending partners.
Colorado Solar Rebates & Tax Incentives
AES will work with you and local utility and government agencies to ensure you receive all eligible rebates.
If you purchase new solar panels in Colorado, your property taxes won’t go up.
There is no state sales tax for a new solar panel system.
You may qualify for a cash incentive when you purchase and install a new solar array in your home. This varies by utility company, system size, location, and personal income.
As an Xcel Energy customer, you could earn rewards for every kWh of Colorado solar energy your system generates thanks to the company’s Solar Rewards program.
Holy Cross Energy customers are encouraged to complete the Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Form to apply for rebates in conjunction with Energy Smart rebates.
Service and Care
Active Energies offers post-installation support. Simply contact AES for diagnostics, repairs, or adjustments if issues arise.
It’s advisable. Many homeowners add their solar system to their home insurance policy, providing coverage in case of damage.
Keep them free of debris and dirt. Periodic cleaning with water (no abrasive materials) helps maintain efficiency. Monitor for any visible damages.
You can always add additional panels if your roof space and system infrastructure allow. Consult with Active Energies Solar, to assess feasibility and get recommendations.
Utilities and Billing
If you’re grid-tied without a battery, your solar system will shut down for safety. With a battery backup, your system can continue powering essential loads.
Consider adding a battery storage system to store solar energy. This allows your home to use stored power during blackouts.
Net metering allows you to send excess solar power to the grid and receive credits. The specific rate in Colorado varies by utility company and can change over time.
Energy credits are benefits received for producing renewable energy. With net metering, you earn credits for excess power sent to the grid, which can offset your electric bill.
Tiered utility rates charge different prices for electricity based on consumption levels. As you use more power, you may move into a higher-priced tier.
TOU pricing charges different rates based on the time of day. Rates might be higher during peak demand times and lower during off-peak hours.
The federal solar tax credit, commonly referred to as the investment tax credit or ITC, allows you to claim 30% of the cost of your solar energy system as a credit to your federal tax bill.
Environmental Impact
The products used on Active Energies Solar installations have undergone a thorough vetting procedure to ensure sourcing from manufacturers that use premium raw materials and practice the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
Solar systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. They produce clean energy with minimal pollution and use significantly less water than conventional power sources.
Going solar reduces local air pollutants, lowers carbon footprints, and can lessen strain on the grid. It supports a sustainable energy future and can create local jobs.