Capitol Solar Service

At Capitol Solar Energy Company, we have been dedicated to providing Colorado with solar thermal solutions since 1982. We are passionate about designing and installing the most efficient solar thermal systems in the country, which offer an excellent return on investment, reduce the monthly operating costs of a home or building, and contribute to preserving Colorado's environment. We have been at the forefront of energy independence, green construction, and renewable solar energy for over three decades.

Our team has extensive experience in dealing with Colorado's unique combination of opportunities and challenges when it comes to solar thermal. With our strong solar radiation, spectacular number of sunny days, and unpredictable weather with extreme temperature shifts, we understand the importance of optimizing the return on investment for our clients. This is why we focus on reliable, high-efficiency, low-pressure water drain-back systems that offer the longest possible life of any solar thermal system.

As a founding member of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association and a member of the National Solar Energy Industries Association, we stand behind the efficiency, competitiveness, and reliability of our solar systems. We have been committed to this mission for 28 years and are dedicated to continuing this tradition for another 28 years.

Our mission is to make ecology and economy compatible goals. We strive to provide solar solutions that are efficient, competitive, and reliable, to maximize the benefits for our customers. As a small company, we have the flexibility to truly serve our customers and avoid the "one size fits all" marketing approach of bigger corporations. We are committed to offering the best value available in solar systems in Colorado and are dedicated to helping our clients achieve energy independence and reduce their environmental impact.

Our History

Capitol Solar Energy Company LLC was originally started in 1982 as Capitol Solar Inc., during an exciting growth phase for the solar industry. This exponential growth was caused by the energy crisis of the late 1970s and federal tax incentives. After the expiration of the solar energy tax credits in 1985, most solar companies disappeared. However, our company continued as Capitol Solar Service in 1986. We remained committed to our mission, staying in business and often taking care of the service needs of many defunct companies' customers.

Over the course of 28 years of field experience, servicing all types of systems, we have learned many lessons. We have seen all sorts of experimental systems and business endeavors in the solar industry. We were a founding member of CoSEIA, the Colorado Solar Energy Association, and contributed as a board member in the 1990s. We fully support John Klima, President and founding member of CoSEIA, who recently said at the CoSEIA annual meeting: "Let's have the wisdom to learn from our industry's past and help the consumer install great systems."

You can benefit from our 28 years of experience. We are able to offer turnkey solutions, from simple hot-water solar systems, to complex, reliable, custom systems with multiple applications that will work as long as most houses will last! With the current turn of events - global warming, troubles with oil-producing countries, the need for renewable energy and energy independence, federal tax credits, Colorado State incentives, Governor Bill Ritter's commitment to clean energy, and the Denver Greenprint initiative - we feel a renewed hope and enthusiasm that more and more Coloradans will choose to harvest the sun's energy with us!

Founder Bio

Capitol Solar founder, Bruce Padgett, entered the School of Engineering at CU Boulder in 1972, then switched to solar energy physics in 1974 at the University of Colorado, and earned a BA in Environmental Studies in 1978. Few Coloradans have had Bruce's level of commitment and impact on Colorado's solar energy industry. Bruce has designed, installed, and maintained thousands of systems over 28 years and has consulted with many other solar companies. He must have a less than zero carbon footprint based on many years of producing solar energy.

Bruce naturally has 10 solar panels on his roof. Solar applications in Bruce's home include hot water, radiant floor heat, and an outdoor hot tub. Bruce has also designed, built, and installed numerous other solar systems throughout Colorado. His dedication to the solar industry and commitment to sustainability have made him a respected figure in the renewable energy community.