Solar panels Colorado

In Colorado, the number of solar panels has increased significantly over the past few years. According to the solar energy industry’s trade group, the state has over 2,000 MW of solar installed. It’s also expected to grow by almost 4,000 MW over the next five years, creating thousands of jobs.

Getting solar energy can help lower your electricity bill and help the environment. It can also make you money by selling excess electricity back to the utility. In addition, solar power is an excellent option for homeowners who want to save money on their utility bills.

Solar panels for sale in Colorado

Solar panels in Colorado are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.

The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years. 

Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas.  

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Solar inverters for sale in Colorado

Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.

Another functions that inverter perform include:

• Interaction with the grid;
• Arc fault prevention and protection;
• Optimization of the solar array production;
• System monitoring. 

Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.

Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Colorado residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors. 

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OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01

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SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41

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SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US

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How much energy can I get from solar in Colorado?

Aside from the power output, the amount of energy that solar panels can generate is directly related to how much sunlight they receive. In Colorado, the state receives over 300 days of sunshine a year, which allows solar panel owners to maximize their electricity production.

Aside from the weather conditions, other factors such as the orientation of the panels and the shade they are exposed to can also affect the amount of solar electricity that you can produce. 

The history of solar power in Colorado

Colorado currently ranks 13th in the nation for solar power. As a state, there is enough solar installed to power 335,951 homes. Two of the largest solar projects, Comanche Solar and Hooper Solar Project, can generate 120 megawatts and 50 megawatts respectively, which is enough to power around 35,000 homes between the two of them.

However, solar is still a growing energy option in Colorado, since only 4.18% percent of the state’s electricity comes from solar. 85,757 customers have elected to install solar, so it’s only becoming more popular. There are also currently more than 97 gigawatts of solar nationwide.