Colorado Solar Power Rebates

Colorado solar power rebates are some of the best in the country. The state has gone a long way toward encouraging mass takeup of solar for homeowners.

Xcel Energy Rebates

Customers in the service area of Xcel Energy are can gain massive rebates on the cost of their solar installations. Aside from the generous 30% federal solar tax credit, Xcel Energy offers a maximum whopping $3.50 per Watt of installed capacity with a maximum system size of 10 kW. You can still apply for larger systems, but the rebates are different.

The rebate is split into two parts. $2 per Watt is assigned for the installation. The other $1.50 per Watt is in the form of a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) and is scaled according to the maximum peak output of the system, which is done to encourage people to apply who have good access to sunlight on their roofs.

Depending on the cost of the installation, Xcel's rebates combined with the federal rebate mean the cost will be very low indeed. To learn more about Xcel's rebates, visit their website.

Black Hills Energy Rebates

Black Hills Energy customers are even better off than Xcel Energy customers. lack Hills has exactly the same rebate system in place, but instead of offering a maximum of $1.50 per watt for the REC component of the rebate they offer $2.50 per Watt for the REC. This is a massive overall saving. Combine Black Hills' rebate with the Federal tax credit ands , depending on the installation cost, you could come out paying almost nothing for a solar installation that powers your whole house.

Customers For Other Providers

If you're not in the service area for Xcel or Black Hills Energy companies, then all is not lost. The State has a system where utilities' Colorado solar power rebate offers are matched by the State, resulting in generous rebates across Colorado. There are far too many utilities to list here, but contact your local energy provider to enquire about what degree of rebate they have available.

Colorado Solar Power Net Metering

To further encourage residents to take up good sized residential solar installations, the state has Net Metering laws that allow the carrying forward of excess electricity generated in any one month to the next. This means that while you may make excess electricity in the summer, that electricity will show on your bill as an energy credit that you can use when there is less sunshine around.

If by the end of the 12 month metering period you still have an excess of electricity production, the utility you are connected to is required to reimburse you at standard charge rates. The possibility of zero bills and possibly even an end of year payment is a great incentive so look to get the largest array you can onto your roof, budget permitting.

Property And Sales Taxes

Property and sales taxes for home solar electricity producing equipment are handled on a local level by individual cities and counties. While the state has passed general legislation to free buyers of solar energy systems from these taxes, local governments may or may not have organized their own policies so contact your local council for details.

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