Save on Solar

Step 1.Compare Options

1. We have officially launched Solar Switch Denver to help homeowners and small businesses learn about and install rooftop solar and battery storage. Solar Switch leverages the power of group buying and the expertise of nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to ensure participants get a quality system at a discounted price. Visit SolarSwitch.com/Denver to learn more and register for the program by October 4.
   
   
2. The City and County of Denver partners with EnergySage to help consumers compare solar options. This free portal provides an easy way to assess a property’s solar capacity, get an instant estimate on solar-related energy savings, and get quotes from local, vetted installers. Advisors are available via phone, email or chat to help you to sift through quotes and answer questions. Confirm that your installer is licensed with the City and County of Denver by checking their electrical license.
   
   Disclaimer: The City and County of Denver does not endorse one solar company over another.

Step 2.Check if You're Eligible for City Rebates

If you choose to get rooftop solar through Solar Switch Denver, you might qualify for an $8,000 rebate or support for additional home energy improvements if your household makes less than 100% of area median income. To access the rebate program and other financing options, fill out our Denver Solar Co-Op Rebate Eligibility form. Once the city verifies your eligibility, you will be notified and your rebate will be applied to your solar proposal.

If you’re not interested in joining Solar Switch Denver and you already have a heat pump installed in your home, you can work with a registered contractor from our list to reserve a solar rebate through our Climate Action Rebate program. You can receive a rebate of $4,000 for your solar project. Additional funding is available if your household makes less than 80% of area median income.

Step 3.Ask the Right Questions to Your Installer

What does it cost?

• What is your cost per watt?
• What incentives can you take advantage of?
  • Buyers qualify for a 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit for installs between 2022 and 2032. Additional limited funding is available each year to provide rebates to income-qualified residents through Solar Switch Denver
• How do your payment options compare?
  Generally, you can save more by paying cash, but can avoid up-front costs with a loan.
• How much will you save on your electricity bills?
  You may need to share a few of your past bills to get an accurate estimate.

What are your system attributes?

• Is your roof right for solar?
  Your roof needs to be sturdy enough to hold your new asset! Consider community solar if your roof is highly shaded or in need of repairs.
• What is your estimated annual production, measured in kWh?
• What percentage of your annual electricity consumption will be offset by solar?
• How will your panels be positioned (referred to as azimuth and tilt)?
  A northern azimuth is 0 degrees. Solar panels are most productive when pointing south. Do not accept a proposal that orients panels at an azimuth greater than 270 or less than 90 degrees.

Step 4.Enjoy the Benefits of Rooftop Solar

Step 1.Research

Community solar allows renters and homes unfit for rooftop solar to participate in solar at no upfront costs. Community solar is shared solar. This means the solar can be located anywhere in the community – like a field, a building, or a parking lot – and be assigned to any Xcel Energy subscriber. Denverites can subscribe to local solar projects for a monthly fee. Once subscribed, customers begin receiving credits on their monthly utility bill that often result in a net bill savings for customers.

Use Solar United Neighborhoods' vendor-neutral, educational tool to help you find community solar projects.

Find a Community Solar Project

Step 2.Ask the Right Questions

What does it cost?

• How much will you need to pay and what for?
  Most commonly, community solar customers will sign a contract to either subscribe to the solar project at a per kWh rate; or pay to lease or own panels in the solar project.
• Will your payment amount, structure, or obligations change over time?
  Many solar providers will include a fixed annual escalator to your subscription rate to account for inflation and rising utility costs. Try to find a low escalator or avoid one altogether if you can.
• What is the value of the bill credit you will receive from Xcel Energy?
  Xcel updates the SRCS bill credit in their electric rate book each year. In 2020, it was $0.07008 per kWh for residential customers and $0.06423 per kWh for most commercial customers.
• How much will you save on your electricity bills?
  It’s uncommon, but you can ask if your community solar provider will guarantee your savings.

What are your system attributes?

• What is your estimated annual solar allocation, measured in kWh?
• What percentage of your annual electricity consumption will be offset by solar?

Step 3.Pick a Community Solar Project