Going solar in Colorado is an excellent way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and make a difference. But it's important to be aware of the various options. Learn more about Denver's solar program, sales tax exemptions and the cost of solar panels. It will surprise you how affordable going green in Colorado is.
Community solar programs
Colorado is known for its equity-oriented community solar. Xcel Energy is the state's largest utility and has agreed to participate in community-based solar programs. These projects will help to lower the electricity bills of residents and businesses throughout the state.
The Colorado Energy Office launched a demonstration program in 2015 to demonstrate how community solar models can be used for low-income households. This demonstration project will help Colorado households lower their energy bills and complement the state's weatherization program. The CEO gave a $1.2million grant to GRID Alternatives. This group worked with rural utilities in order to create a portfolio of eight solar projects for low-income households. As the demonstration project proved successful, the CEO partnered with the utilities and leveraged their investment.
Sales tax exemption
Solar power is an excellent way to save money on your home and generate electricity. Colorado solar panels are exempted from tax. State's Sales and Use tax exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment allows you to avoid paying sales taxes on the price of solar panels, or any increase in value. Talk to your local solar professional about this exemption.
It will also help you save money on your installation costs. Colorado doesn't have a sales tax for solar panels like other states. You can also use your solar tax credit as a way to offset installation costs. You won't be required to pay any taxes if your panels don't generate electricity. Local governments and utilities will offer you all kinds of incentives, including net meters, power purchasing agreements and other benefits.
Installing solar panels in Colorado: Cost
Colorado is a top state when it comes to solar panel installs. The cost to install solar panels in your house depends on the size of your system, the wattage required, and the quality. If you are looking to save money, it's better to invest in high-quality, name-brand solar panels instead of cheap imports.
Compared to utility power, solar energy is significantly cheaper in Colorado. A standard solar power system runs at 18 cents/kWh. This price does not include installation and maintenance costs. You will save money over the long-term by making this investment. In Colorado, you can also get tax credits or rebates. The federal government has promised a 26% tax credit for solar power systems by 2020. Public utilities also often offer incentives to solar systems that are able to feed back energy into the grid. This database contains information about incentives for renewable energy and efficiency.
Denver Solar Costs
If you are considering installing solar panels on your home in Denver, Colorado, it's important to find a reputable company. A good contractor will have a thorough understanding of the regulations in your region, including electrical codes and building codes. You should also know about local permits. You can avoid delays by choosing a top-rated company that specializes in solar energy. This will make sure your project is done on time.
The federal tax credit will pay 30% of the total cost for a Colorado solar installation. Many utilities offer rebates, incentives and other financial incentives for consumers who want to put solar panels on their roofs. Colorado businesses will often offer incentives that are based on the amount of solar energy produced. The net metering policy can also provide a nice incentive for homeowners.