We’ve all heard the rule: get three bids. Whether you’re hiring a roofer, a landscaper, or a solar installer, it’s smart advice. But when it comes to solar, getting multiple bids isn’t enough — you need to understand what those bids actually mean.
If you only compare prices, you might end up with a cheaper quote that leaves you with lower quality equipment, a company that disappears when you need support, or a system that doesn’t truly meet your home’s energy needs.
Why “Kilowatt-Hour Usage” Matters Most
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Another company quoted me eight panels, but you’re saying I need ten. Why is that?”
The answer almost always comes down to your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage — the total amount of electricity your home consumes in a given period. This number tells us how much energy your household actually uses — from your washer and dryer to your air conditioner and everything in between.
When SoCo Solar designs a system, our goal is to offset 100% of your annual electricity usage. That means the panels we install should generate all the power your home consumes, so your utility bill can drop as close to zero as possible.
If another company quotes you fewer panels, you should ask what percentage of your energy usage their system offsets — and whether it will still meet your needs as your electricity use grows in the future.
Understanding Panel Count, Offset, and Warranty
When comparing bids, don’t get hung up on the total number of panels or the specific brand. Most reputable solar companies use similar, high quality equipment. What really matters is:
• Offset percentage: How much of your energy needs will the system produce?
• Warranty coverage: Who honors it — just the manufacturer, or the installer as well?
• Company stability: Will your provider still be around to service your system years from now?
The best solar investment comes from working with a reliable local partner who stands behind both the equipment and the workmanship.
Understanding Your Payment Options
Another top question from homeowners is: “How do I pay for solar?” There are three main paths: Cash, Loan, or Lease.
Cash Purchase
Paying upfront gives you full ownership right away — essentially prepaying your power for the next 25 years. This makes sense for some, but it’s the only option that requires a large upfront payment.
Financed Purchase (Loan)
Think of this like homeownership — you’re borrowing to buy an asset that builds equity. Until December 31, homeowners could take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit to help offset costs. After that deadline, the tax credit will no longer be available, meaning new financed purchases will not qualify for that 30% benefit. Without the tax credit, leases have become the most affordable way for homeowners to go solar without significant out of pocket costs.
Lease or “Solar-as-a-Service”
Leasing is quickly becoming the preferred option for many homeowners because it offers no upfront cost and the lowest total expense to go solar. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount for the power the system produces, often replacing or reducing your utility bill. You also have the option to purchase the system later, giving you long term flexibility.
Importantly, with a lease, you should not pay anything out of pocket to get solar installed. Installation, maintenance, and protection are all handled by the provider, so you can enjoy solar without any surprise costs.
The Real Goal: Value, Not Just Price
Solar isn’t a “set it and forget it” product — it’s a long term relationship between your home and your energy provider. Choosing the cheapest quote without understanding what’s included can lead to frustration, poor service, or a system that underperforms.
The best solar decision is made by comparing value — system quality, warranty, offset, and the partner behind the project — not just price.
Why SoCo Solar Is the Right Solar Provider in Grand Junction
At Southern Colorado Solar (SoCo Solar), we take pride in making every homeowner an informed buyer. We walk you through your bid line by line so you understand your energy offset, your warranty, your payment options, and the long term value of your system. Our goal isn’t just to sell solar — it’s to empower you to make the most confident, educated decision possible.
The Bottom Line
Getting multiple bids is smart. Understanding those bids is smarter.
When you know the language of solar — offset, warranty, financing, and value — you can see past the price tag and find the partner that’s truly on your side.
That’s what we do at SoCo Solar — helping homeowners throughout Colorado go solar with clarity, confidence, and complete peace of mind.
