Case Study: Tony’s Carbon-Neutral House with Sandbox Solar – the Leading Solar Contractor in Northern Colorado

When you work with Sandbox Solar, a top solar contractor in Northern Colorado, we help you design the best system for your needs. Our goal is always to design, develop, and install the perfect solar system for your home or business – a system that’s big enough to fit your needs, without overselling you on something that’s too big and more expensive. Our team is experienced in handling a solar project on a new-build home or office building. We ensure that everything is done on time so that there are no delays with construction. If you’re looking for a solar company to work on your next project, look no further than Sandbox Solar.

Our team recently helped a Northern Colorado landowner design and implement a carbon-neutral house in Laporte, CO. Tony was thrilled with the final results. Here’s what Tony had to say about the whole experience: 

“We are building a carbon-neutral house in Laporte, CO. We are using SIPs for the wall and roof, high-efficiency windows, a tightly sealed house with an efficient ERV and air source heat pumps for heating, cooling, and hot water. All this reduces our total energy demand.

“But we still needed a fairly large and efficient PV system to ensure we balance out our supply versus demand, which includes charging two EVs. Sandbox came up with a perfect 13kW solution using high-efficiency panels placed on our south-facing roof planes. Their design and installation work has been exceptional, all at a reasonable cost.  On a good day in May, we can produce almost 100 kWs. Thank you, Sandbox, for helping us achieve our carbon-neutral goal!” 

Based on Tony’s goals, energy usage history, and his property, we worked closely with him to design a system that meets his unique needs. After carefully looking at our options, we installed a 13kW solar system on the south-facing roof planes for maximum production. The panels we use are high-efficiency LG panels that are the most versatile and powerful panels on the market. Tony wanted to make sure that the entire project looked clean and seamless, so we worked with subcontractors during the building process to ensure that the conduit was hidden well and the overall look of the house was perfect.

Tony’s goal of having a carbon-neutral home was accomplished by adding solar to the home to produce energy and by reducing the number of appliances and features that lose or use energy in the home. With aesthetics and energy production in mind, we designed the following layout for his roof:

 

Tony has had his system up and running for a few months now. In the graphic below, you can see his typical production on any given day. On average, he produces almost 100kWh per day. With this amount of energy generated each month and his solar battery storage, Tony is able to successfully power his home with solar energy alone. 

A great time to consider installing solar is when your home is being built. It’s the most cost-effective and easiest way to have a seamless integration of solar into your home. When you install solar during new construction, you can design the home to have the maximum electricity production as we did for Tony’s home. When you incorporate solar from the very beginning, you’ll be better equipped to make choices about your appliances, building materials, and such that work with your solar system design. And by adding solar panels from the get-go, you’ll be able to capitalize on the solar energy from the start and save money on energy bills. 

Sandbox Solar is here to help you realize your goals through a smartly designed solar system that meets your unique needs. We think outside the box and work hard to create a system that will help you offset your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills. 

Sandbox Solar, your solar contractor in Northern Colorado, is here to help you design and build your solar project. From ground mounts to rooftop, or even a complete carbon-neutral home like Tony’s, we have you covered! You can check out our portfolio page to see more of our work. Contact us today to learn more about solar for your Northern Colorado home or business, and for a free quote.

If you’ve recently worked with Sandbox Solar, we’d love to hear from you! Consider leaving us a review on Google.

Enphase Certified Sandbox Solar
Tesla Certified Installer Fort Collins
NABCEP Certified Solar Installer Fort Collins
Accredited Business Northern Colorado Solar
Certified Solar Edge Installer

Northside AZTLAN Solar Microgrid

What is the Northside AZTLAN Solar Microgrid?Commissioned in April 2023, the Northside AZTLAN Solar Microgrid is part of a larger endeavor for natural disaster response and solar microgrid research! It's no secret that Northern Colorado weather can be very extreme and...

Sandbox Solar Referral Program – $250 Each

What is the Sandbox Solar Referral program?It's simple! The best way to spread energy self-sufficiency is by sharing it with your neighbors, friends, and family. Once they go solar with Sandbox Solar, we will reward you and them with $250 each! The Sandbox Solar...

Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite | Sandbox Solar

Thank You Northern Colorado Community!Sandbox Solar is honored to be selected as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite for the 3rd year in a row! Thank you, Northern Colorado, for the continued love and support for the work and effort our employees put in every single day....

Habitat For Humanity Solar

Sandbox Solar Community ServiceSandbox Solar believes community means everything! It's the foundation of our culture, relationships, businesses, and growth. That's why we love to give back by donating our time to community projects and outreach. Whether it's teaching...

Solar Removal & Reinstall

What is Solar Removal & Reinstall (AKA Detach & Reset)?Sandbox Solar Removal & Reinstall Service involves removing your existing solar roof installation allowing you to replace or repair your roof. Our service is most commonly used to repair a roof that...

Sandbox Solar Headquarters Grand Opening

Sandbox Solar Headquarters Grand Opening - Thank for your support!Thank you for celebrating the Grand Opening of our new Sandbox Solar Headquarters with us! What a fantastic turnout. It's been a long journey for Sandbox Solar since its inception in 2015. It all...

Solar Term Glossary

Solar Terms that you should know!As solar energy grows, so does the Solar Term Glossary! With new and innovative solar technologies coming out every day, it's hard to keep up with the new acronyms and phrases that come along with them. To help our customers stay up to...

Home Solar Appraisal Service

How do Solar Panels Increase Home when Selling in Colorado?Owning your home solar system provides monthly energy savings for 25+ years, automatically increasing your home's value when you sell! Whether you've purchased your solar system with cash or are paying off a...

Broomfield Solar United Neighbors Cooperative

Broomfield SUN Co-Op Community GatheringsTo meet and inform our Broomfield residents, Sandbox Solar has been hosting community gatherings to explain the "in’s and out’s" of the solar installation process. With many participants in this SUN Co-Op, we thought it would...

Broomfield Solar Co-Op REC Rebate

REC Rebate for Broomfield Solar United NeighborsSandbox Solar is proud to work with REC Group to provide the Broomfield Solar United Neighbors energy self-sufficiency! In doing so, REC Group is providing solar panel rebates for eligible Broomfield Solar United...

How does it take to get a Colorado Solar Permit?

How long does it take to get a Colorado Solar Permit?Colorado solar permits can take up to one hour to 10 weeks or beyond to receive, depending on your location and your county’s permitting process. Some cities and counties utilize “over the counter” permits,...

REC Alpha Pure Solar Panels

Sandbox Solar Trusts REC Alpha Pure Solar Panels!As the leading solar provider in Northern Colorado, Sandbox Solar relies on REC Alpha Pure panels, the best solar panels for our Residential Solar Installations. With customer safety and trust at the forefront of our...

Solar Home Financing Pros & Cons: Cash, Loan, & Lease

Solar System Financing OptionsSolar energy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. However, when it comes to going solar, there are several options for...

Johnstown Solar Company – Sandbox Solar

Top Johnstown Solar Company!Looking for a reliable, responsible, and reputable local Johnstown solar company that will get your solar power system installed hassle-free? Look no further. Sandbox Solar is a local Neighborhood Favorite, voted Best Solar Company in...

Greeley Solar Company – Sandbox Solar

Top Greeley Solar Company!Voted Best Solar Company in Northern Colorado, Sandbox Solar is proud to provide solar energy to the entire Front Range including the city of Greeley, Colorado! Sandbox Solar’s mission is to make solar power accessible to all by providing a...

Sandbox Solar 2022 In Review

What has Sandbox Solar accomplished in 2022?Sandbox Solar has had a standout year in 2022, as a company, and as leaders in the Colorado solar industry! These accomplishments include: New Sandbox Solar Leadership (CEO Ian Skor) Setting the pace for new and innovative...

Spring Hill Greens Agrivoltaics – Case Study

Spring Hill Greens Agrivoltaics Case StudySpring Hill Greens is the home of our latest Fort Collins agrivoltaics project. They grow microgreens for grocers across the state. We helped them develop an agrivoltaic solar project in 2022. Their goal is to be as...

Solar Battery Backup Systems

Why you should have a solar battery backup system this winter?  This winter, it is essential to have a battery backup system in case of power outages, power failures, or emergencies. A solar battery backup system will provide stored backup energy helping you keep...

Solar Repair Services

Sandbox Solar Repair ServicesWe know installing solar panels can seem like a large and complicated endeavor, but Sandbox Solar is here to help! As one of the top local solar contractors in Fort Collins, we offer Sandbox Solar Repair Services (See Below). Our mission...

Bifacial Solar Fence Agrivoltaics

What are Bifacial Solar Panels?Bifacial solar panels absorb sunlight from both sides of the panel, whereas traditional solar panels can only absorb from one side of the panel. However, not only can they absorb sunlight directly, they can also absorb rays that are...

30% Solar Investment Tax Credit

What is the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)?The 30% Investment Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that incentivizes taxpayers to invest in renewable energy systems in order to combat the climate crisis. Thanks to the implementation of the new Inflation Reduction Act...

Solar Interconnection Agreement 101

What is a Solar Interconnection Agreement?A solar interconnection agreement is between solar customers and the utility company. This is an approval process that allows a homeowner to operate a power generation system (solar energy system) in parallel with the utility...

Tips on Cleaning your Colorado Solar Panels This Spring

You have awakened from winter and spring colors are in bloom. Who wouldn’t want a breath of fresh air? One of the best ways to kick off spring is by cleaning your Colorado solar panel. Likely, mold, dust, and bird droppings have built up over the winter, especially if...

What goes into your Free Quote from your Local Solar Company?

Thinking about going solar in 2022? Sandbox Solar, your local Colorado solar company, wants to encourage the community to go solar by providing you with a free quote to help jumpstart the process. Sandbox Solar was founded with one passion – harnessing the everlasting...

Practice Sustainability with Fort Collins Solar

Why practice sustainability with Fort Collins Solar? Are you thinking about reducing your carbon footprint in 2022? With our world facing countless environmental crises, going solar is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact. Practicing sustainability with...

Local Solar Installers explain What to Expect When You Go Solar?

What to expect when going Solar? You’ve hired a local solar installer, and you have committed to going solar. Now what? Here's what to expect when going solar. While you may have experience with other types of construction projects, a new solar installation may seem...

How do home Solar Power Systems Work?

How do home solar power systems work, anyway? At Sandbox Solar, we make solar look easy. If you’re like us and enjoy geeking out about new tech and learning the ins and outs of how something works, then keep reading! Follow along as we explain the components and inner...

Sandbox Solar – A Top Solar Company Near Me

Why Sandbox Solar is one of the Best Solar Companies in ColoradoIf you’ve been searching for a “solar company near me,” you’re in the right place! Sandbox Solar is Northern Colorado’s premier solar company. From homeowners and businesses to community solar farm...

Six Winter Energy-Saving Tips from your Local Solar Installer, Sandbox Solar

Six Winter Energy-Saving TipsWith winter in full swing, it’s a great time to think about ways to keep your house warm and save money on your energy bill! Your local solar installer has put together six energy-saving tips to use during the chilly winter months. Pour...

Winter Solar Panel Maintenance Tips from your Local Solar Installer – Sandbox Solar

4 Solar Panel Maintenance TipsIt is no secret that your solar panels give less output in the winter months. The sun is at a lower angle, the days are shorter, and accumulated snow sometimes covers the panels. But rest assured that the colder weather alone does not...

Case Study: L’Avenir Solar-Powered Living in Fort Collins

L'Avenir Solar-Powed Living in Fort CollinsSandbox Solar had the opportunity to work on an amazing project providing solar-powered living in Fort Collins. L'Avenir townhomes in downtown Fort Collins is a net-zero energy building complex that harnesses power from the...

Take Advantage of the Federal and Colorado Solar Incentives While You Can

From residential rooftops to community solar, the state government is doing everything it can to help you get the best Colorado solar incentives possible. Living in Colorado has many perks, one of them being 300 days of sunshine. In our book, that’s a good enough...

Solar in Fort Collins and Time-of-Day Pricing

Solar in Fort Collins is a great investment if you’re looking to avoid Fort Collins Time-of-Day (TOD) pricing. With TOD pricing, it will cost you 70% more to use energy during peak hours compared to non-peak hours. Let’s talk about how Fort Collins TOD pricing can...

Top 4 Benefits of Solar Panels for Businesses in Colorado

Solar panels for businesses in Colorado offer business and commercial property owners a low-risk opportunity to increase their property value while switching to a clean, renewable source of energy. Solar is a long-term investment with a great return. Being a business...

Your Solar Installer in Fort Collins Discusses the Marketability of Homes with Solar

There are many ways to increase the value of your home. Sandbox Solar, your solar installer in Fort Collins, recommends adding solar to your home to increase the marketability. Thankfully, in a place like Colorado, with 300 days of sunshine, it makes a lot of sense....

What to Expect from a Free Solar Quote from Your Solar Installer in Fort Collins

Sandbox Solar, your solar installer in Fort Collins, aims to provide opportunities for anyone to get involved with solar. One of the ways we do this is by providing a free quote for your new solar system! We want everyone in our community to experience the...

Hail and Solar Panels: How Does Hail Affect Your Solar Panels in Colorado?

Hail Affects ColoradoIf you have ever experienced a nasty hailstorm and been curious about solar, then you’ve likely wondered if solar panels in Colorado will hold up in a storm. Every year, the Front Range is hit with thunderstorms, torrential downpours, and hail. We...

How Long Can I Run My Home on a Solar Battery System?

How Long Can You Run a Home on Battery Storage? What if you don’t have a solar system and just want a battery storage option? You can do that, too! With a home battery alone, you could power your basic amenities for about a day or two in the event of a power outage....

Colorado Solar: Waterglen Solar Array Project Update

Sandbox Solar, your Colorado solar company, has had the opportunity to work on an incredible project to bring the City of Fort Collins closer to its sustainability goals. We are excited to announce that we have completed the 200 kW ground mount for the Waterglen...

Hear It from Our Customers – We’re a Top-Rated Colorado Solar Company

Looking for a top-rated Colorado Solar Company to help you with your solar project for your home or business? Look no further than Sandbox Solar! We’re a highly rated, expert solar company serving Fort Collins, Greeley, Denver, and beyond. Sandbox Solar is considered...

Why Solar in Colorado Is a Safe Investment

Not all things in life are certain. But one thing we know for sure is that the sun will always shine! That’s why big investments like solar in Colorado are a safe bet. Solar energy is a safe investment because there is little risk involved. Putting your dollars into a...

4 Reasons to Support Your Local Solar Company – Sandbox Solar

You’ve decided to go solar. Congrats! You’re making a big step toward increasing the value of your home, saving the environment, and cutting your electric bill. With solar becoming more and more popular, there is an endless supply of companies to choose from when...

Solar Battery Backup for Power Outages

So you have brand new solar panels on your roof and you’re generating your own electricity. Your power bills are basically eliminated at this point, and you’re feeling pretty good about your impact on the environment. But, one stormy night, the wind knocks over a huge...

Colorado Solar Panels ROI – How Long Will it Take to Recoup Your Investment?

Usually, the first question a homeowner has when deciding to invest in solar is “When will I see a return?” With the increased popularity of solar, there is a great deal of data out there to show the return on investment (ROI) of installing in a solar system. Colorado...

How to Compare Solar Bids from Colorado Solar Installers

When shopping for a big investment like solar, it’s important to check multiple options and prices. Every Colorado solar installer is different in the services they offer, the equipment they use, and pricing. At Sandbox Solar, we offer the best products and services...

CONTACT US

FREE QUOTE FORM

CONTACT FORM

sales@sandboxsolar.com

(970) 673-7733

112 Racquette Drive Unit C Fort Collins, CO 80524

Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM