Grand Valley Power Identifies Preferred Solar Installers

Members’ experience remains a primary focus

by Chance Semones, Energy Services Technician

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (Feb. 10, 2026) 

Thinking about going solar? Wondering which reputable companies to consider for your installation? You’re in the right place. To stay true to our mission, Grand Valley Power continuously reviews local solar installers enrolled in our Preferred Solar Program. You can visit the GVP website to find an updated list of companies we identify as preferred installers. The current Preferred Solar Installers list includes three companies, some of which have been operating in the Grand Valley for many years. All have successfully completed installations for GVP members over the past couple of years.

The companies currently listed on the Preferred Solar Installers list include Atlasta Solar Center, Mountain Power Solutions, and SolarWorks GJ. Each of these vendors attended our Preferred Solar Installers Workshop, where they completed a thorough vetting process to help ensure they provide members with expert advice and quality service; and they pledged to conduct business with integrity and honesty.

GVP’s GVP’s Preferred Solar Installers program aims to create a direct communication channel between GVP and solar installers, ensuring members enjoy a positive experience. Continuously, some members report negative encounters with solar companies, including high-pressure sales tactics and unreliable, “fly-by-night” installers. The new program seeks to recognize reputable installers committed to working with GVP members and prioritizing their best interests.

A common misconception GVP often clarifies is that once solar is connected to the meter, members should not receive any additional bills. However, all members pay the monthly Grid Connectivity Charge, regardless of their energy usage. This fixed fee applies to all residential customers, including net-metered members, and covers the costs of operating and maintaining GVP’s distribution system. All members also pay the recently added Demand component, which captures a member's highest kW demand measured in a five-minute interval per month.

After covering this fee and demand, the remaining part of members’ bills is for electricity usage. Usage is divided into two periods: On-Peak (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and Off-Peak (all other hours). Solar energy produced during these periods can only offset consumption within the same period. That’s why it’s crucial to size your system correctly and position the panels to maximize benefits. Capturing sunlight when your household needs electricity ensures optimal use.

Remember that the solar energy produced by the installed system can fluctuate monthly due to environmental factors such as clouds. Members may sometimes find that their solar setup doesn’t generate enough electricity to meet all household needs, so they still rely on GVP for part of their power. It's also crucial for GVP members to realize that, without an additional backup energy storage system (battery), they won't have electric power during a GVP system outage that impacts their service.

At the Preferred Solar Installers Workshop we had in-depth discussions about Grand Valley Power’s Interconnection Policy and Time-of-Use Rates. The Preferred Solar Installers know these topics and will ensure they share this information with all members during discussions about solar installations.

The primary motivation for Grand Valley Power’s Preferred Solar Installers program is our members. As your trusted energy advisor, we aim to provide you with accurate and timely information. Feel free to call me anytime to discuss your questions. I can help analyze your usage, show how solar may impact your bill, and discuss what to expect during On-Peak and Off-Peak hours.

If you are a solar installer who has recently completed an installation with us and would like to join this program, please contact me and we can begin the process.

Chance Semones is GVP’s energy services technician. Prior to this role, he worked in the Grand Valley as a General Contractor. His continued education in distributed resources and work experience have prepared him to serve as your trusted resource for energy services.