Save on Solar

Step 1.Research

If you're a homeowner, Denver's Solar Co-Op is an affordable and easy way to go solar. Denver partners with Solar United Neighbors to help you get competitive pricing on solar panels. Take some time to research the rebate program.

Step 2.Join the Solar Co-Op

Signing up isn't a binding commitment to go solar, however we ask that you're fairly certain you want to pursue a solar installation for your property. Solar United Neighborhoods will use the information you provide to pre-assess the suitability of solar for your site and to contact you about next steps for the solar co-op.

Join the Co-Op

Solar United Neighborhoods will communicate with you after you sign up for the co-op. This process will take a few months.

Step 3.Check Rebates and Register for the Rebate Program

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. Once the city verifies your eligibility, Solar United Neighbors will be notified and your rebate will be applied to your solar proposal.

Step 1.Compare Options

1. If you're a homeowner, Denver's Solar Co-Op is an affordable and easy way to go solar. Denver partners with Solar United Neighbors to help you get competitive pricing on solar panels.
2. The City and County of Denver partnered 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. 
   
   Disclaimer: The City and County of Denver does not endorse one solar company over another.
   
   

Questions to answer when considering rooftop solar:

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 the Denver Solar Co-op.
• 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 2.Check Rebates and Register for the Rebate Program

If you’re not interested in joining the Denver Solar Co-op 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.Pick an Installer

Confirm that your installer is licensed with the City and County of Denver by checking their electrical license.   

Step 1.Research

Community solar allows renters and shaded homes 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

Questions to answer when considering community solar:

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 2.Pick a Community Solar Project