Renewable Energy

Solar 101: How to Get Solar On Your Roof! 

1.) Be Efficient First: If you are interested in solar, first look for ways to increase your current energy efficiency. The more efficient you are, the less energy you'll need to generate with solar panels. Xcel Energy  provides residents and businesses with information and rebates.

2.) Explore Solar Potential: 

• Solar Customer Resource Portal: SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) has developed a guide to solar for residential consumers    

• Learn the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals with the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.   

3.) Find a Solar Contractor: There are many qualified local contractors. The Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) offers a Member Directory. Qualified contractors can help you make decisions about the size of a solar system, whether to lease or buy, and how to obtain permits and funding. Also, EnergySage can provide competing solar quotes for your home.   

4.) Explore Financing Options:  

Incentives: 

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) lists solar incentives and regulations throughout Colorado. 

• Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics: Department of Energy's guide on the Federal Tax Credit 

• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.   

Energy Loans: 

• Colorado Residential Energy Upgrade Loan: access low cost, long-term financing for renewable energy improvements 

• Energy Loans from Elevations Credit Union : Elevations has partnered to provide Energy Loans for homes and businesses pursuing energy efficiency upgrades and solar photovoltaics. 

• Energy loans from Clean Energy Credit Union: low-interest loans to make energy upgrades for your home or business through EnergySmart 

Additional Offerings:

• Solar*Rewards Program: Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program offers payments for renewable energy credits (RECs) for solar production. 

• Low-income residents may qualify for assistance from GRID Alternatives , a nonprofit solar installer. 

5.) Apply for A Permit: Visit our solar landing site to look for a contractor or installer, learn about the solar permitting and inspection process, and understand financing options

Go Solar Without Putting Panels On Your Home! 

Learn about solar subscription and participation options

• Community Solar Gardens: go solar without installing panels on your roof. By subscribing to a portion of the energy produced in a community solar garden, you do not the need to invest in solar panels for home use. Your utility continues delivering your energy, and you become part of the solar community, receiving solar credits on your electricity bill. It’s that easy. Learn about and subscribe to Westminster's Solar Gardens: Sun Share and Jack's Solar Garden

• Xcel Energy – Renewable Energy Options – Residential: subscribe to renewable energy options through Xcel Energy’s offerings 

• United Power – Green Power Partners:  purchase clean, renewable electric power through united power’s green power partners program 

No matter if you own or rent your property, there's ways for you to go solar. Reach out to the sustainability office if you have questions on how to keep on the sunny side of life.