residential solar panels Denver Archives

Meet the Director of Sales who’s helping Colorado families take control of their energy future

When you walk into BriteStreet Solar’s office, you’ll likely find Chris Fenner deep in conversation with a customer, walking them through every detail of their solar journey. As Director of Sales and the D&R (Detach and Reinstall) program, Chris embodies what makes BriteStreet Solar Colorado’s most trusted solar installation company – straight-shooting expertise combined with genuine care for every customer.

A True Colorado Solar Expert

Chris brings something special to the solar industry: authentic Colorado roots and an unwavering commitment to doing right by homeowners across the Front Range. As a Denver native, he understands exactly what Colorado families need when it comes to solar energy solutions, from dealing with our unique weather patterns to maximizing the incredible solar incentives Colorado offers.

“What I love most about my job is working in a green industry. I love knowing the projects we work on are for the betterment of the planet and our customers.”

– Chris Fenner, Director of Sales

This passion drives everything Chris does at BriteStreet Solar, from initial consultations to ensuring every solar installation meets the highest standards.

Problem-Solving Excellence in Action

In the solar installation world, no two projects are exactly alike. Chris has seen it all – from complex roof configurations to unexpected technical challenges that require creative solutions. “You never know what you’re going to find when dealing with home projects,” he shares. “We’ve had our share of challenging ones. I pride myself in working through the issues, and making sure that we provide customers with all the information they’ll need to make informed decisions.”

This approach perfectly captures BriteStreet’s commitment to transparency and customer education. Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs, Chris ensures every homeowner understands their solar options completely before moving forward.

What Sets BriteStreet Apart

Having worked in Colorado’s solar industry for years, Chris has a unique perspective on what makes BriteStreet Solar different from other solar companies Denver residents might consider. “Britestreet is a local Denver company. It’s been in business since 2012. We’ve done a great job adapting to what the solar industry requires at the moment.”

This adaptability has been crucial for Colorado homeowners, especially during years when hail storms damage roofs across the Front Range. BriteStreet’s detach and reinstall services have helped countless families preserve their solar investments during roofing projects.

The BriteStreet Difference

“One big difference between us and other D&R companies is our follow through. Britestreet doesn’t just put everything back up on the roof and walk away. We work with these customers, we’ll explain the situation, help customers work through warranty initiations, and provide solutions to get the system running optimally again.”

Colorado Mountain Life and Solar Passion

When Chris isn’t helping Colorado families achieve energy independence, you’ll find him embracing everything our beautiful state has to offer. “I’m a Denver native and huge CO fan. I love the mountains and pretty much anything you can do while enjoying time in them.” Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine annually, Chris lives the Colorado lifestyle that makes solar energy such a perfect fit for our state.

This connection to Colorado’s outdoor culture ties directly into his solar philosophy. Just like the state motto suggests about leaving the mountains better than we found them, Chris believes solar energy helps us leave the world better for future generations.

Empowering Energy Independence

Through his years in solar energy, Chris has learned a powerful lesson that he shares with every customer: “We don’t all need to be held captive by our electric companies. We can control what our costs are for this, and take steps to improve our footprints left in the world at the same time.”

This message resonates strongly with Colorado homeowners who are seeing their utility bills climb year after year. With Colorado’s excellent solar incentives, federal tax credits, and BriteStreet’s expert installation, families across the Front Range are taking control of their energy costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Your Solar Journey Starts Here

Chris and the entire BriteStreet Solar team are ready to help you explore what solar energy can do for your Colorado home or business. With over 12 years of experience serving Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the entire Front Range, BriteStreet Solar combines local expertise with industry-leading service.

2025 Solar Tax Credits in Colorado: Maximize Your Federal & State Benefits

by Steve Smith | Jun 7, 2025 | Colorado Solar Tax Credits, Solar Incentives & Financing

How to Unlock Thousands in Solar Tax Credits with Real-World Examples from Metro Denver

Thinking about installing solar panels in Colorado this year? You’re in luck. 2025 is one of the best years in recent history to invest in solar energy, thanks to a combination of federal solar tax credits and Colorado-specific solar incentives that could reduce your total system cost by thousands.

This complete guide explains everything Colorado homeowners need to know—including the newly passed House bill that could affect federal solar tax credits after 2025.

Let’s break down exactly how much you could save and how to claim every dollar available.

🔋 What Is the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2025?

The Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (commonly called the 30% federal solar tax credit) lets you deduct 30% of your total solar system cost from your federal taxes.

Eligible costs include:

Solar panel equipment and installation
Energy storage (like batteries)
Wiring, permits, and labor
Inverters and mounting hardware

📌 Example:
If a Denver homeowner installs a $24,000 solar energy system in 2025, they could receive $7,200 as a federal tax credit.

🛑 IMPORTANT UPDATE:
A new bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives that proposes eliminating this federal credit after 2025. It’s now being reviewed by the Senate. This could significantly reduce incentives starting in 2026—making 2025 the ideal year to act.

🏠 Colorado Solar Incentives: Local Perks That Boost Savings

Colorado adds even more solar-friendly policies that reduce upfront and long-term costs.

✅ Colorado Property Tax Exemption

Installing solar increases your home’s value.
With this exemption, you won’t pay extra in property taxes for that increase.

✅ Colorado Sales Tax Exemption

Solar panel systems are 100% exempt from state and local sales tax.
In Denver, where sales tax can reach 8.81%, this saves hundreds on your purchase.

💡 How Much Can You Save? Real Example from the Denver Metro Area

Let’s walk through a realistic scenario:

📍 Littleton, CO | 6.5kW System

System Cost: $22,500
Federal Tax Credit (30%): $6,750
Sales Tax Savings (avg 8%): $1,800
Property Tax Increase Avoided: ~$500/year
Net First-Year Incentives: $8,550+

And that’s before factoring in 25+ years of electric bill savings.

💸 Local Utility Rebates

Some utilities (like Xcel Energy) offer performance-based incentives or upfront rebates.

These may include:

Rebates for battery storage
Cash back per kWh produced
Net metering benefits (earn credits for excess energy you send to the grid)

📍 These vary by ZIP code, so consult your local utility provider or ask us for a personalized review.

📅 Why Timing Matters in 2025

Here’s why this year is critical:

✅ Federal 30% credit could expire or be reduced after 2025.
✅ Utility rebates are often limited and first-come, first-served.
✅ Summer is peak production season—installing before July locks in maximum output for year-one returns.
✅ Permit timelines vary across Colorado’s 40+ solar jurisdictions. The earlier you start, the smoother the process.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own my home to qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. Only homeowners who purchase (not lease) their system are eligible for the full 30% federal tax credit.

What if I don’t owe enough in taxes to claim the full credit?
Unused credit can roll forward and be applied to your next tax year.

Can I use solar incentives for battery storage alone?
Yes, as long as the battery is charged at least 100% by solar.

Will solar increase my home value?
Studies show solar increases home resale value by 4–6%, with no property tax penalty in Colorado.

📞 Ready to See Your Savings?

Every home is different. The best way to know your savings potential is with a custom evaluation.

👉 Contact BriteStreet Solar today to schedule your free home solar analysis. We’ll show you how much you can save—before the 2025 incentives change.

Employee Spotlight: Chris Fenner, Colorado Solar Expert!

Leading BriteStreet’s Mission with Colorado Pride