More Coloradans than ever before are discovering the benefits of residential solar panels. Colorado is ranked 12th in the nation for solar projects today, and solar capacity is projected to grow significantly thanks to our favorable geography, solar-friendly policies, and falling panel prices, which have declined 43 percent in the last 5 years.

Solar power is a smart investment for Colorado Springs homeowners. Not only will residential solar panels lower your monthly electric bill, but they can also increase the resale value of your house and reduce your carbon footprint. If you are thinking about going solar, there are several factors that determine whether your home is a good fit:

• Shade is one of the most common reasons people cannot go solar. Trees or other impediments to full sunlight throughout the entire day can negatively impact solar panel efficiency.
• For rooftop systems, your roof must be in good condition. South or west exposure is ideal but not necessarily required. Solar can be mounted on all roof materials.
• Depending on the property, ground mount systems and solar carports may be good alternatives if rooftop solar is not feasible.
• The economics of solar generally make sense only if you are planning to stay in your home for at least 2 years. If you are planning to move soon, consider waiting to install solar on your new home!
• If you are building a home, it's less expensive to incorporate solar into your plans from the beginning. We will work with your developer to ensure the process is efficient and seamless for you.

Many life changes can contribute to an increase in household electricity usage that may prompt you to consider home solar panels. These include moving into a larger home, adding to your family with children or older parents moving in, or purchasing an electric vehicle. If your electricity bills have recently gone up, now is the perfect time to see how residential solar panels can lower your bills.