Colorado homeowners are eligible for a number of statewide incentives. Many of Colorado's solar rebates and incentives are available through electricity utilities, such as Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy. These programs can significantly reduce initial costs of your solar energy system.

Local Solar Energy Incentives

There are a number of other small incentives designed to further eliminate installation costs for your solar energy system.

Local Property Tax Exemption for Energy Systems

Colorado authorized counties and municipalities to grant tax exemptions to residents who install renewable-energy systems. Details vary from locale to locale, but the program is committed to enabling property owners to install solar and other energy-efficient technologies without incurring tax increases

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment Colorado also grants 100% exemption from sales tax for all renewable energy equipment purchased.

SunPower Pioneers Rebate Program - Roaring Fork Valley

PV systems earn a solar rebate of $2.00 per W, which is adjusted based on expected performance. Maximum incentive is $6,000.

Solar hot water systems can earn $66.54 per MMBtu/yr (up to $1000).

Rebates offered by utilities

In order to meet state-mandated renewable energy requirements, Colorado's investor-owned utilities (IOUs) are offering solar rebates to residents and businesses that install solar energy systems. Colorado's two major IOUs, Xcel Energy and Black Hill Energy are offering the following programs:

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards
Residential solar energy systems (0.5 kW to 500 kW DC) can receive a rebate of $2.00/watt DC, plus an renewable energy credit payment of $.45/watt DC

The Black Hills On-Site Solar Power Program
PV systems (up to 10 kW) may be eligible for a rebate of $2.00/watt DC, as well as a REC payment of $0.50/watt DC.

PV systems from 10kW-100 can receive a rebate of $2.00/watt DC, and an REC payment of $50 per MWh produced over the course of the year. REC payments are typically made annually and are subject to adjustment.

Non-Investor-Owned Utility Rebates

Residential Renewable Energy Rebate Program
PV: Up to $1.50/W. If other rebates are available, this may be less. Solar hot water: Up to $3,000. If other local incentives are available this rebate may be less.

GEO Solar Rebate Program
Depending on availability, residential solar PV systems can qualify for rebates worth up to $9,000, $4,500 of which is provided by GEO, $4,500 is provided by a local partner utility (systems installed by small businesses can receive $15,000). Solar hot water (SHW) systems are also eligible to receive up to $3,000 ($1,500 from GEO, $1,500 from a local partner organization)