Alternative Power Enterprises LLC Overview
Alternative Power Enterprises is a small solar panel installation company based in Ridgway, Colorado. Founded in 1992, they have been providing solar power consultation and installation to the western part of Colorado for 20 years. Our experts estimate that the company has made about five million dollars in revenue in the past year.
The company assists homeowners and small businesses with designing and installing solar power electrical systems. Both on-grid and off-grid systems are available. Customers are also provided with all the necessary paperwork to receive tax rebates. Reviews for Alternative Power Enterprises have been trawled by our team: out of 16 written reviews, 15 have been five stars. It is an accredited business in accordance with the Colorado Department of Business’s requirements.
Alternative Power Enterprises Services and Specifics
Services Offered
Alternative Power Enterprises will design and install solar panels and provide all the necessary paperwork to receive tax rebates from the government of Colorado. In addition, they provide maintenance and customer support for all of their customers.
System Design
Prospective customers will be asked to provide their yearly electricity usage and their address. After that information is provided, the company will send the lead installation manager to do a thorough on-site inspection. After that, the company will discuss the needs of the customer and limits of the area they’re in. Once everything has been specified, customers will receive a proposal for the job.
Installation
The company will purchase and install all the agreed upon materials for the customers. Our experts outline the main brands that they work with:
- SMA
- Outback Power
- Solar Edge
- Schneider Electric Solar
A team of certified technicians are sent to properties to complete all necessary work. Finally, an inspector from the state of Colorado is sent to do a final inspection to make sure the house is up to the requisite standard.
Repair & Maintenance
For off-grid systems, the company offers contracts to previous customers as well as anyone with an off-grid solar system. Services include oil and filter changes, parts inspections, and gravity checks on batteries. They will also repair or replace any broken components and take care of warranty claims for customers.
Tech Support
All employees have received factory training from Outback Power, Midnight Solar, Trace, Xantrex, and Schneider. Combined with over 25 years of experience, they will provide technical support to previous customers and new ones. They are able to provide support for legacy systems as well. The company specializes in remote monitoring and system upgrades. Anyone who wishes to get tech support will have to call their phone number.
Costs & Legitimacy
Costs
Alternative Power Enterprises offers a variety of installation options, so prices will vary. Reviewers have given the company five-star ratings for costs and according to our data, their prices are competitive with other companies in the area. The company offers different payment plans to ease any cost burdens for customers.
They also provide customers with all the necessary documentation to take advantage of tax incentives and loans from the state of Colorado. The full list of programs is listed below.
- San Miguel Power Association – SMPA offers a maximum $300 rebate to residential properties and $1000 to commercial properties.
- RENU Loan Program – Sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, applicants can receive loans between $500 to $35,000 with low interest rates and up to 15-year terms.
- C-PACE – This is another government sponsored program, but focused on upgrading existing commercial buildings. It offers 100% financing for a long list of upgrades, including solar panel installation. It also offers 20% financing for new building projects.
- Solar Investment Tax Credit – Residents of Colorado. can receive up to a 30% tax credit if they install solar panels in their homes.
The company will assist customers in taking advantage of all of these programs, saving them money in the long run.
Legitimacy
Alternative Power Enterprises is certified by the Secretary of State’s Office with a “Good Standing” status. All employees are NABCEP certified and are experts in the solar industry.
The primary address, phone number, and team member profiles are available on the company website. In addition, there is evidence that the owner interacts with reviewers, often thanking customers for good reviews and acknowledging bad ones with honesty and integrity.
They are transparent with the brands and labor that they provide so customers always know what they are paying for. In addition, each project is tailor made to give customers the best installation possible. Reviews have stated many times that they don’t try to add any costs to make a profit aside from labor.
The company also has a social media presence on both Facebook and Instagram, sharing blogs and announcements about the company. A weekly newsletter is also sent out, helping customers understand more about the solar industry and the products Alternative Power Enterprises offers.
The SolarEmpower View
Based on our research, Alternative Power Enterprises is a great company to hire for solar installation in western Colorado. Their pricing is competitive and they have an excellent track record. The company has been around a long time, so they have the experience as well as the necessary certifications. Their assistance with paperwork to get rebates and financing will offset any up-front costs with long term savings and cheaper utility bills. Lastly, they have shown their passion for the solar industry by sharing their knowledge and tips on their social media pages.