Copyright Boulder Daily Camera
Across Colorado, more homeowners than ever are turning to solar energy to power their homes — not only to reduce their electricity bills but also to gain energy independence, protect against power outages, and invest in a greener future. And for those who love their solar system, many say their positive association with solar energy is rooted in the transparency and responsiveness of their solar installer. Namaste Solar has helped thousands of Coloradans make the transition to renewable energy. For over 20 years, the company has built a 5-star reputation for responsiveness, professionalism, and high-quality installations that last for decades. Some customers come to Namaste Solar after frustration with other contractors, while others seek them out based on their no-pressure sales experience and long-term customer relationships. To give potential clients a picture of what it’s like to live with solar, Namaste Solar recently asked three Coloradan homeowners to share their honest experiences. Their stories illustrate the practical benefits, financial gains and sometimes unexpected peace of mind gained by switching to solar energy. Solar with Confidence For Farhana and James Morales, investing in solar was all about the numbers. “I have a master’s in finance, so I did the math,” Farhana said with a laugh. After the electricity went out on their mountain home multiple times in one year, Farhana and James wanted a reliable system at a cost that made sense. “When the power goes down, we can’t work, which is a big problem,” Farhana said. They were concerned about spiking electricity costs, too, and wanted a system that would ultimately pay for itself. Farhana began by researching solar installation companies. But she found that not all installers were credible: “It felt like they were out to trick us or get us into a situation that we wouldn’t have been happy with, financially,” she recalled. Soon, however, they were impressed with Namaste Solar’s transparency, responsiveness and willingness to help secure financing. “For me, honesty and humility are important qualities, and that’s what was displayed throughout the whole process,” Farhana said. She also appreciated the low-pressure approach. “The person who sold us the system explained that he didn’t work on commission and earned a living wage regardless of my purchase,” she said. “That allowed me to let my guard down because I knew I wasn’t going to be pressured to buy something that wasn’t a good fit.” Power and Peace of Mind Like Farhana and James, Nelson Chen was motivated to install solar by a desire for reliability. After Xcel Energy cut his home’s power for 23 hours during the April 2024 windstorm, “that got me thinking that I need a Powerwall,” he said, referring to a battery system that stores energy generated during the day for use during outages or at night. Most electrical companies charge more per wattage for energy used during “peak” evening hours. And for Namaste Solar customers Allison and Steve Down, installing a battery with their solar system is a decision that they saw the benefit of right away. “We started talking about [battery storage] as a way to hedge against energy insecurity in the region,” they shared. “We’ve had two outages here since the beginning of the year, and our neighbors have been quick to note that we’re the only ones on the block who have power. So, that’s definitely working. And it was also a way to hedge against the increasing cost of electricity.” Nelson’s new solar system has made him more aware of his energy use and significantly lowered his electrical bills. “My first month with solar my bill was $10, and the month before it (without solar) was $150,” he said. For him, the battery represents security from grid instability and a way to live out his values for his children and grandchild. “In Colorado, we have these ground-level ozone issues that make the air quality bad in the summertime,” he said. “Air pollutants combined with UV rays cause ground-level ozone to worsen. So that’s another thing I’m trying to help with.” Aligning Finances and Values Financial planner Brian Lichtenheld took a financially strategic approach to going solar. “The sooner you get solar, the faster you’re going to break even,” he said. “The faster you get to the break-even point, the more money you can put toward saving for retirement, experiences or whatever is important to you in life.” And for him, choosing Namaste Solar was also an ethical choice. Brian works at BSW Wealth Partners, a fellow B corporation to Namaste Solar. As B Corps, both businesses meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For him, when it came to the decision-making process for going solar, “it was pretty easy because I already had the values alignment piece,” he shared. “And because of personal relationships in the B Corp world, I was already very familiar with Namaste Solar. I had trust in the organization and the culture and the people, so it was a no-brainer.” Tracking his energy production has helped Brian maximize efficiency and savings. With Namaste Solar’s expertise, he was able to balance environmental and financial priorities while gaining confidence in his energy choices. From the mountains to the Front Range, homeowners across Colorado are finding that solar energy isn’t just about saving money — it’s about gaining energy independence, sustainability, and peace of mind. For more information on Namaste Solar, visit namastesolar.com/transparent or call 720.386.2714. namaste-solar-business-spotlight-11-2-25
