Question 1

What happens to my solar system if I sell the house?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the financing. A cash-purchased or loan-owned system transfers with the home. A leased system or PPA typically requires the buyer to assume the lease or the seller to buy it out. Get transfer terms in writing before signing.

Question 2

What is a "dealer fee" on a solar loan?

Accepted Answer

A dealer fee (also called a buydown) is a percentage added to the cash price of the system to fund a lower advertised loan interest rate. It is real money you pay, financed over the loan term. Ask for the cash price and financed price separately.

Question 3

How long does a Colorado residential solar installation typically take?

Accepted Answer

Physical installation is usually 1–3 days once permitting and utility interconnection are approved. The full timeline from signed contract to permission-to-operate typically runs 6–14 weeks and depends heavily on your utility and local building department.

Question 4

Do solar panels work in Colorado winters and snow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Colorado's cold, high-elevation climate is actually favorable for solar-panel efficiency. Snow does temporarily reduce production but typically slides off tilted arrays within a day or two.

Question 5

Can my HOA prevent me from installing solar in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Colorado law generally prevents HOA covenants from prohibiting residential solar. HOAs can still require reasonable architectural review (screening, design submission), but outright bans do not stand under Colorado law.

Question 6

Is solar a good fit for Highlands Ranch homes?

Accepted Answer

Many Highlands Ranch homes have viable south-facing roof planes and higher summer cooling loads, which fits residential solar well. HOA architectural review is common but rarely blocks installation. Utility service is mostly Xcel with pockets of CORE — check your bill.

Question 7

What should Parker homeowners on CORE Electric confirm before signing?

Accepted Answer

That the proposal is modeled on CORE's current tariff, not Xcel's. CORE's interconnection application, net-metering treatment, and any monthly service charges differ. Request the specific CORE document reference from your installer.

Question 8

Will my roof leak after solar installation?

Accepted Answer

A reputable installer flashes and seals every roof penetration. Ask specifically about the installer's workmanship warranty on roof penetrations (typically 10 years) and how a leak claim is handled.

Question 9

Does hail damage residential solar panels in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Modern solar modules are tested to withstand significant hail. Severe hail events can still cause damage, which is typically handled through the module warranty and/or homeowner insurance. Ask which module is proposed and its hail rating.

Question 10

Do I still get an electric bill after going solar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, almost always. You will still receive a monthly bill with utility service charges, plus any net electricity you drew from the grid beyond what your system exported. The bill's energy portion may be small or zero depending on system sizing and time of year.

Question 11

How is Xcel Energy's solar credit different from CORE Electric's?

Accepted Answer

Xcel Energy is an investor-owned utility whose residential solar program is filed at the Colorado PUC. CORE Electric Cooperative is a member-owned co-op that sets its own terms. Assume they are different and verify each directly.

Question 12

Does Xcel Energy cap how big a residential solar system I can install?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Colorado net-metering rules cap residential system size relative to your recent electric usage. Xcel typically applies the cap based on your prior 12-month usage. Documented plans for new load (EV, heat pump) may allow a larger size.

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