Learn solar

Solar, explained plainly.

Straight answers on incentives, net metering, batteries, and what going solar in Colorado actually looks like — written by the team that does the installs.

Incentives·9 min read

Xcel Is Paying Up to $3 Per Watt for Solar. Here's Who Qualifies in Colorado.

Xcel Energy's income-qualified Solar*Rewards rebate now pays up to $3 per watt on systems up to 10 kW AC — often the entire cost of the system. Plus $0.50/W for Disproportionately Impacted Communities and up to $1,000/kW on batteries.

Getting Started·9 min read

Choosing a Colorado Solar Installer in 2026

How to compare residential solar installers in Colorado — what to verify, what older homes need electrically, how to plan for an EV charger, and what changes for a small business system.

Financing·8 min read

What Is a Prepaid Solar Lease? A Colorado Homeowner's Guide for 2026

With the residential tax credit gone, the prepaid lease has become the most effective way to capture federal incentives — and still end up owning the system.

Backup Power·5 min read

How a Home Battery Keeps Your Lights On During Xcel PSPS Events

A home battery backup can keep your power running during Xcel Energy PSPS shutoffs — sometimes for days. Here's how it works and what to look for in Colorado.

Backup Power·5 min read

What Are Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)? What Colorado Homeowners Need to Know

Xcel Energy's Public Safety Power Shutoffs left 100,000+ Colorado homes without power in December 2025. Here's what PSPS events are and how to protect your home.

Backup Power·1 min read

Whole Home Generators Explained

How Generac standby generators work, what they power, fuel options, and why whole home generators are ideal for long outages.

Backup Power·1 min read

Generac Standby Whole Home Generators

How Generac standby whole home generators provide automatic backup power during outages — and why Colorado homeowners choose whole house generators.

Financing·3 min read

2026 Solar Buying Guide: Lightreach PPA vs. Cash Ownership

The federal tax credit for homeowner-owned solar changes after 2025 — but solar isn't over. Compare a Lightreach PPA against cash ownership with discounted equipment.

Incentives·1 min read

The 2025 Solar Tariff Landscape: What's Changing?

New solar tariffs in 2025 could drive equipment prices up. Here's what changed, how it affects costs, and why acting sooner protects your pricing.

Incentives·1 min read

Xcel Renewable Battery Connect Colorado Rebates

Get up to $5,000 in rebates with Xcel Energy's Renewable Battery Connect program for Tesla Powerwall and Enphase batteries in Colorado.

Incentives·1 min read

Federal Solar Tax Credit Under Threat: What Colorado Homeowners Need to Know

A new bill could phase out federal solar tax credits. Here's what it means for Colorado homeowners and how to lock in current incentives.

Backup Power·2 min read

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs. Enphase 5P: Which Battery Is Best for Your Home?

Compare the Tesla Powerwall 3 against the Enphase microinverter system paired with the 5P battery to find the right storage solution for your home.

Incentives·1 min read

Federal Solar & Battery Tax Incentives in 2025

The 30% Federal Solar & Battery Tax Credit, the risks to its future, and why now may be the best time to invest before potential changes.

Incentives·2 min read

Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect Program: A Guide to Battery Rebates

Rebates up to $5,000 on home battery storage — but funding is limited and ran out early in 2024. Here’s how the program works and how to apply.

Net Metering·4 min read

Xcel Energy's Time of Use Billing: What You Need to Know

Xcel charges residential customers different rates depending on the time of day. On-peak hours moved to 5–9 p.m. in November 2025 — here's how the two rate periods work now.

Incentives·2 min read

What Is The Solar Tax Credit?

The investment tax credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your solar project from your federal taxes. Here’s how it works.

Getting Started·6 min read

20 Reasons To Go Solar

A new solar panel system is installed every four minutes. Here are the 20 best reasons homeowners are making the switch.

Getting Started·5 min read

Is Solar Worth It?

What makes solar a good investment? We walk through the problems with utility power, the benefits solar offers, and a full example ROI calculation.

Getting Started·2 min read

The Solar Wave Installation Process

The install itself takes a day or two — but a lot more goes into a solar project. Here’s every step, and how long each one typically takes.

Financing·2 min read

Solar Financing Options

Solar Wave only offers financing solutions that let you own your system outright. Here’s how cash purchases and solar loans compare.

Getting Started·3 min read

The Pros & Cons Of Solar Energy

Most solar information online comes from solar companies themselves. Here’s an honest look at both sides so you can decide for yourself.

Incentives·8 min read

Colorado Solar Incentives

A reference guide to the solar incentives available in Colorado at the federal, state, and local utility levels.

Backup Power·6 min read

Battery Backup Power

A standard grid-tied solar system shuts off when the grid goes down. Here are the backup options that change that — and how they compare.

Getting Started·9 min read

How Solar Works

From sunlight hitting a panel to a credit on your utility bill — a plain-language walkthrough of every component in a home solar system.

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