SoL Energy LLC

SoL Energy LLC is a local solar company based in Carbondale, Colorado, founded in 2003 by Ken Olson, who has been working in solar since the 1970s. They specialize in residential and commercial solar design, installation, and maintenance, helping valley homes and businesses own their power with honest numbers and systems that last.

The business serves the Roaring Fork Valley, including towns like Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle, with a specific focus on Pitkin and Garfield counties. Their office is located at 520 S 3rd St #28 in Carbondale's Third Street Center, a community building shared with local nonprofits and artists.

Customers can start by calling (970) 963-1060 or emailing info@sol-energy.us to get a free solar quote. The team emphasizes that you will speak directly with their Carbondale office rather than a call center, and they offer consultations for both residential and commercial projects.

Recent residential proposals in the valley have ranged from about $34,000 to $60,700 for systems between 11 and 25 kW, with prices averaging roughly $3.00 to $3.30 per watt installed. Smaller systems under 5 kW cost more per watt because fixed costs like design and permitting are spread over fewer panels.

The company highlights a 25-year warranty on all materials included in their proposals, covering Tier 1 Hyundai modules and Enphase IQ8 microinverters. They also note that roof work or electrical upgrades are often priced separately if needed.

SoL Energy differentiates itself by providing clear answers, careful installs, and service from the same local crew that designed the system. They prioritize safety with strict installation standards and aim for innovation with practical technology chosen specifically for valley roofs and snow conditions.

The process involves a site visit to assess roof conditions and electrical needs, followed by engineering, permitting, and utility applications. The team stages the project seamlessly from design to permits, handling communication with utilities like Xcel to ensure a smooth installation.

Key technologies mentioned include Enphase IQ8 microinverters, which are installed one per panel to prevent shade from dragging down the rest of the system, and partnerships with Enphase for their solar solutions.

Ken Olson, the CEO and founder, started the company in 2003, building on his experience from the 1970s when he helped build the solar program at Colorado Mountain College. The company has since installed arrays for public buildings like the Basalt Library and Garfield County 911.

Homeowners and businesses alike praise the supportive and helpful nature of the team from start to finish, noting that they did not have to do anything themselves. Reviewers highlight the personal approach and the ability to stay with the project through rebates until it was up and running.

The company operates with opening hours from Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-14:00, allowing for consultation and quote requests during these times.

Sustainability is central to their mission, with their own office at the Third Street Center being solar-powered to reduce their environmental footprint. They aim to help valley homes ride through outages on stored sun and own their power.

First-time customers should know that electrical work and roof replacements are often separate line items if required, and that site conditions like steep pitches can change labor costs after a site visit.

The business partners with Enphase and has a history of installing solar on public buildings like the Basalt Library since 2010, showing a commitment to both private and municipal projects.

The official website of SoL Energy LLC is sol-energy.com.