Publish Date: February 9th, 2026
At Namaste Solar, we’re always working and advocating for the homeowners in our community. And as we enter a new year, that’s no different. So, is solar in 2026 a strong investment for homeowners in Colorado? The short answer: yes.
If you feel uncertain, we get it. From policy changes to market uncertainty, 2025 was a whirlwind. And it left some people unsure of the future of solar. Despite that uncertainty, solar remains a strong addition to a homeowner’s long-term financial strategy and can offer you cost savings on your electricity bill while making a difference when it comes to climate change.
Key Takeaways About Solar in 2026
- Solar in 2026 remains a smart investment, offering monthly electric bill savings for decades, while giving you energy independence and protection from rising utility costs. And the sooner you go solar, the sooner you can start saving.
- Utility rates are increasing across Colorado. Xcel Energy has proposed a nearly 10% residential rate increase beginning in August 2026. CORE Electric and Fort Collins Utilities have already increased rates by 6–7% in early 2026. Installing solar can help homeowners avoid higher costs.
- Grid outages are increasing. Pairing solar with battery storage provides backup power during outages caused by extreme weather, including high winds.
Does Going Solar in 2026 Shield You from Rising Electricity Rates?
Utility providers raise their rates every year. Xcel Energy, for example, is seeking to raise rates almost 10% this coming summer. And CORE and Fort Collins Utilities increased rates by 6% to 7% early this year. It’s ratepayers that bear the brunt of this burden with an average electric bill in Colorado soaring to $150/month across all household types. Single-family homes could see electricity bills that are even higher because of their larger square footage to heat/cool as well as more appliances.
When you invest in solar, you can think about it as paying a fixed price per kilowatt hour, that’s often far less than current utility rates. And, you’ll remain protected from future rate increases. As part of your solar quote from Namaste Solar, we’ll show you the savings potential.
In effect, going solar allows you to buy your electricity in advance at a lower long-term cost. You’ll enjoy a lower cost per kWh for years to come compared to utility rates that continue to rise, especially as increased demand from data centers puts additional strain on the grid.
Anytime you go solar, you become shielded from rising electricity rates. But with such steep increases expected this year, going solar in 2026 protects you from this rate volatility immediately. The sooner you go solar, the sooner you can enjoy the compounding effect of month over month savings on your electricity bill.
Am I Protected from Increasing Grid Outages if I Go Solar in 2026?
Grid outages are becoming more frequent with longer durations. Utilities in Colorado have begun implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during periods of extreme wind and fire risk. These outages have left many in our community without power for multiple days.
If you choose solar-only, you’ll still experience outages when the grid goes down. This is because solar systems are configured to shut down when the grid is down to protect utility workers.
However, when you get solar and battery storage, you’re building a resilient home that’s protected from these grid outages. Batteries sense when the grid is down and start supplying stored power immediately. It’s a seamless process – the lights won’t even flicker and your clocks won’t reset.
With this set up, your home’s electric source becomes a closed loop and is truly self-powered. You can power your essentials and recharge your battery with the sun during the day. Unlike generators powered by fossil fuels, home battery backup that is paired with solar requires no fuel, produces no emissions, and isn’t noisy, which some cities and HOA have restrictions on.
Extreme weather events, like wind, are only going to become more common due to climate change. And with them come higher grid instability. Going solar in 2026 protects you from these increasing outages, keeping your home powered through the most extreme events.
For Allison & Steve D, the results have been immediate. “[There have been] two power outages here since the beginning of the year, and our neighbors have been quick to note that we’re the only home on the block who had power,” shared the couple.
Namaste Solar Can Help You Go Solar in 2026
We get that it can feel uncertain to consider solar in 2026. That’s why we prioritize a transparent and honest approach. With our non-commissioned advisors, you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, see what solar and battery backup would look like for your home, and make a well-informed decision.
If you’re considering solar in 2026, it will provide you with increased savings and environmental benefits that will serve you for decades to come. To get started, give us a call at 303-447-0300 or click the button below.
