DENVER SOLAR
SOLAR
GOOD FOR YOUR BUDGET AND GOOD FOR THE EARTH
Today, solar is the right choice for the earth and the right choice for our homes. Guardian can fulfill the energy demands of almost any home with a unique, low-profile design to create an elegant appearance that blends beautifully with today’s residential architecture. Guardian sets a new standard in solar aesthetics and performance, offering flexible installation for nearly any kind of roof. We work directly with a solar panel manufacturer and are therefore able to offer solar at wholesale pricing, a full 20% below the average price for systems in CA, based on data from 2015. Or, as an alternative to a discount, we can throw in “free stuff” (insulation, whole house fans, new windows, even a new roof) much like a car dealership would add “free” runner boards, window tinting & seat covers to someone willing to pay “sticker price” for a new car. But, as the owner is entitled to a 30% Federal Tax Credit off the price of a solar system, paying for additional improvements out of the profit we make of a solar system allows the homeowner to take a full 30% credit on every dollar they spend.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar
Yes, installing a solar energy system can increase the resale value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels typically sell for a premium compared to homes without solar.
According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels sold for an average of $15,000 more than comparable homes without solar panels. The study also found that homes with solar sold faster than homes without solar.
Another study by Zillow found that homes with solar energy systems sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
In addition to increasing the resale value of your home, installing a solar energy system can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Many home buyers are looking for energy-efficient features that can help lower their utility bills, and solar panels are a great way to achieve this.
Overall, installing a solar energy system can be a smart investment that not only helps reduce your energy bills, but can also increase the resale value of your home when it’s time to sell.
The length of time it takes for your solar energy investment to pay off, also known as the payback period, depends on several factors, including the cost of the system, the amount of energy it produces, and the cost of electricity in your area.
On average, the payback period for a residential solar energy system in the United States is around 7 to 8 years. However, the payback period can be shorter or longer depending on the factors mentioned above.
To calculate the payback period for your specific solar energy system, you can use a simple formula:
Payback period = total cost of system / annual savings on electricity
For example, if your solar energy system costs $20,000 and saves you $2,500 per year on electricity, the payback period would be:
Payback period = $20,000 / $2,500 = 8 years
It’s important to note that while the payback period may seem long, solar energy systems typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, meaning that you will continue to generate savings on your electricity bills long after the payback period is over.
In addition, with federal tax credits and state incentives available for solar energy systems, the initial cost can be significantly reduced, further shortening the payback period and increasing the overall return on investment.
Overall, while the payback period for a solar energy system can vary, it is typically a smart long-term investment that can generate significant savings on your electricity bills over the life of the system.
The cost of solar in Denver can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the solar system, the quality of the equipment, and the complexity of the installation. The cost is usually calculated per watt, and the price per watt can vary from around $2.50 to $4.00, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Guardian Home Energy is a company that helps homeowners in Denver and other areas of Colorado to switch to solar energy. We work with multiple solar panel manufacturers to ensure that our customers get the best price for their solar systems.
To achieve this, we directly with the solar panel manufacturers to secure bulk pricing and pass the savings onto their customers. By buying solar panels in bulk, Guardian Home Energy is able to negotiate lower prices per watt than individual homeowners would be able to obtain on their own.
In addition, Guardian Home Energy offers a price match guarantee, meaning we will match or beat any competitor’s price for the same solar system. This ensures that customers are getting the best possible price for their solar installation.
Overall, Guardian Home Energy’s partnerships with solar panel manufacturers and commitment to obtaining the best possible pricing for their customers can help make solar energy more affordable and accessible for homeowners in Denver and beyond.
Denver is considered a great place for solar due to its high levels of sunshine, with an average of 300 days of sun per year. Additionally, the city offers a range of incentives and programs to support solar installations, including property tax exemptions, net metering, and rebates.
In fact, Denver has set a goal to power 100% of its municipal facilities with renewable energy by 2025, and encourages residents and businesses to follow suit by adopting solar and other clean energy technologies. The city has also implemented a solar-friendly permitting process to streamline the installation process.
Tax Credits and Incentives Will Make Solar Affordable for You
Navigating the world of federal and Colorado state tax incentives for solar energy can be a complex and daunting task. However, Guardian Home Energy is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive every benefit you qualify for when investing in solar energy in Denver, Colorado. Our knowledgeable team is well-versed in the intricacies of both federal and state incentives, making your transition to clean, renewable energy seamless and rewarding.
Federal Tax Credit of 30%
The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a revamped version of a previous federal tax credit, which was less valuable and less widely available. Now, this newly restructured credit allows taxpayers to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing solar heating, electricity generation, and other solar home products from their federal taxes. What makes this incentive even more attractive is its extended availability, as it will be accessible to taxpayers for over a decade. So, what exactly is the Solar Tax Credit? If you decide to install solar energy equipment in your home between now and the end of 2032, you are eligible for a nonrefundable credit off your federal income taxes. This credit is equal to 30 percent of your eligible expenses, which can include the costs of purchasing and installing the solar system, as well as any associated maintenance or monitoring expenses. One of the most appealing aspects of this tax credit is that there is no cap on the eligible expenses. Whether you spend $20,000 or over $100,000 on your residential solar system, you are entitled to a 30 percent tax break. This makes it more feasible for homeowners with varying budgets to invest in clean energy solutions, ultimately accelerating the nation’s transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Colorado Sales and Use Tax Exemption
The Colorado Sales and Use Tax Exemption for renewable energy equipment is another financial incentive that helps to make solar installations more affordable for residents and businesses in the state. This exemption can save you money on your solar installation by eliminating the need to pay sales tax on qualifying solar equipment. Under this exemption, solar panels, mounting equipment, inverters, and other components directly related to the solar energy system are exempt from Colorado’s state sales and use tax, which is 2.9% as of September 2021. This means that when you purchase solar equipment for your residential or commercial property, you won’t be charged the state sales tax on those items. By exempting solar equipment from sales and use tax, the state of Colorado aims to lower the upfront cost of solar installations and encourage more people to invest in renewable energy. To benefit from the Colorado Sales and Use Tax Exemption for renewable energy equipment, make sure that the solar equipment you purchase qualifies for the exemption. Generally, the exemption applies to equipment that is directly used to generate electricity from sunlight. However, it is always a good idea to consult with your solar installation company, like Guardian Home Energy, to ensure that your equipment qualifies for the exemption. Keep in mind that this exemption applies only to the state sales tax, and local taxes may still apply. Some local jurisdictions in Colorado may also offer their own sales and use tax exemptions for solar equipment. Check with your local municipality or county government to find out if any additional tax exemptions are available in your area. In conclusion, the Colorado Sales and Use Tax Exemption for renewable energy equipment can significantly reduce the overall cost of your solar installation by eliminating the state sales tax on qualifying equipment. When combined with other incentives, such as the Colorado solar tax credit, the federal Investment Tax Credit, and property tax exemptions, this sales tax exemption can make solar energy even more affordable and accessible to Colorado residents and businesses.
Colorado State Property Tax Exemption
The Colorado state property tax exemption for solar energy systems is another incentive designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy in the state. This exemption allows homeowners and businesses to install solar energy systems without increasing their property tax assessments. In essence, the property tax exemption ensures that the value added to a property by the installation of a solar energy system is not considered when determining the property’s taxable value. This is important because, in the absence of this exemption, property owners could face higher property taxes due to the increased value resulting from their solar installations. To qualify for the Colorado state property tax exemption for solar energy systems, the system must meet the following criteria:
- The solar energy system must be installed on a residential or commercial property in Colorado.
- The system must be designed and used primarily for on-site consumption of electricity. It should not be intended primarily for selling electricity to a utility company or another third party.
- The system must comply with all applicable state and local building codes, as well as federal and state safety and performance standards.
It is important to note that this exemption applies only to the state property tax and may not cover local property taxes. However, many local jurisdictions in Colorado also offer property tax exemptions or abatements for solar installations. To learn more about local property tax incentives, contact your local county assessor’s office or visit their website. The Colorado state property tax exemption for solar energy systems, along with the state and federal tax credits, net metering, and other incentives, makes investing in solar energy even more attractive for Colorado residents and businesses. By taking advantage of these incentives, you can not only save on your energy bills but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the state.