WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- Westminster resident Shannon Golightly has wanted to go solar for years, but until now, switching her home to solar power required a lot of financial power.

"We got several estimates and they were all between $30,000 and $50,000," she said.

Golightly said she almost gave up on her solar idea until she found a new company called SunRun. The company started leasing solar systems to homeowners in California in 2007 and is now doing the same in Colorado.

"It allows the homeowner to go solar typically with no upfront cost," said Dan Yechout, Sales Director of Namaste Solar in Boulder, a SunRun installer.

Since SunRun maintains ownership of the system, it makes its money from government rebates for solar energy. The homeowner signs a lease and only has to pay for the power they use.

"It's brilliant. It's actually a win-win for both parties," said Golightly.

"We just connect [the solar panels] right into the main electrical service for the house, turn it on, and you're good to go for 20 years," said Yechout.

Homeowners typically save 5 to 10 percent in the first year on their utility bills by switching to solar. SunRun said the long-term savings are even better.

"The best part is that that electric rate is fixed for 20 years, so as utility rates continue to rise over time, they save even more money," said Yechout.

Golightly will have SunRun's solar panels installed on the roof of her house by Wednesday. She said it felt like she won the lottery.

"You can't believe how thrilled we are. We're just over the moon, it's great," she said.

So far, SunRun has done about 100 installs in Colorado.

Another benefit to a solar lease is that SunRun provides free maintenance and insurance for the entire 20-year lease. So, if a solar panel is damaged in a hail storm, for example, there's no cost to you to have it fixed.

If you're interested in adding solar power to your home through SunRun, you can find more information at www.sunrunhome.com or call 1-877-786-6656.