A Solar-Powered Repair Shop

Over a hundred panels on the roof, supplying more than twenty percent of the electricity this building uses. Not a marketing gesture — an actual roof.

The solar array on the roof of Dakota Ridge Auto, looking west toward the hogback — The roof at C470 and Bowles. Over a hundred panels, and the hogback the shop is named for behind them.

Auto repair is not an obviously green business. We use electricity, we generate waste oil, and we handle chemicals that need proper disposal. None of that goes away because a shop puts a leaf on its logo.

What we could do is reduce what we take and handle what we produce properly, so that is what we did.

What is actually in place

Solar powered, over 100 panels, go green

Every fluid recycled: oil, coolant, brake fluid and A/C refrigerant

More than 100 rooftop solar panelsSupplying over 20% of the shop’s electricity. The rest comes off the grid like everybody else’s.
Fluid recyclingWaste oil, coolant, brake fluid and refrigerant recovered and recycled rather than disposed of.
Parts recyclingMetal, batteries, tires and cores returned through proper channels.
High-efficiency lightingThroughout the shop and the office. Unglamorous, and it adds up in a building with this many bays.
Recycled office suppliesSmall, and easy, and there is no reason not to.

Panels on a roof are a decision somebody made once and pays for over twenty years.

Why it is on the website at all

Mostly because people ask. It is a fair question for a business that handles a lot of petroleum products, and the honest answer is more interesting than a slogan.

It also says something about how the shop is run. A business that is planning to still be on this corner in twenty years makes different decisions than one that is not.

Common questions

How much of your power comes from solar?

More than 20% of the shop’s electricity, from over 100 rooftop panels. The remainder comes from the grid.

What happens to my old oil and parts?

Waste oil, coolant, brake fluid and refrigerant are recovered and recycled through licensed channels. Metal, batteries, tires and cores go back through proper recycling. None of it goes in a dumpster.

Does any of this cost me more?

No. It costs us, and it has already been paid for.

What customers say

Reviews published on Google

5 out of 5

Dakota Ridge Auto provided great service. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the shop was quick and organized, and the mechanics were very knowledgeable. Top 3 things I loved: 1) Friendly service 2) Quick, organized repair… read the rest on Google

Zachary E.July 2026 · via Google

5 out of 5

Dakota Ridge Auto was incredibly efficient and friendly. I brought my car in for an oil change and the staff explained everything clearly while getting the job done quickly. I left feeling confident about the service and will definitely return for any future car maintenance.

Jeremy B.June 2026 · via Google

5 out of 5

I went to Dakota Ridge Auto for a tire swap. I didnt want new tires, just the snow tires swapped out. The friendly staff called me and told me one of my tires was bad and needed to… read the rest on Google

Ruth B.June 2026 · via Google

Read all reviews on Google

Curious about the shop?

Come by. We are at C470 and Bowles and we are happy to show people around when it is not chaos.

Call 303-795-2600 Make an Appointment

Open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm. Courtesy shuttle within about five miles.