2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Fort Carson, CO - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Fort Carson.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Fort Carson solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Fort Carson?

Property Tax Exemption for Residential Renewable Energy Equipment

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption for renewable energy system property

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive

Eagle County - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential
PV: 50% up to $500
Solar Thermal: 50% of project costs
Commercial
50% of project costs

City of Boulder - Solar Sales and Use Tax Rebate

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
~15% refund on sales and use tax for the solar installation

Roaring Fork Valley - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: 25% of cost
Solar Water Heat: $25% of cost
Solar Thermal Tune-up: 25% of project cost
Micro-hydro and Geothermal: 25% of cost

Property Tax Exemption for Community Solar Gardens

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption for the percentage of electricity capacity (AC) of a community solar garden attributed to residential or governmental subscribers or organizations that are already exempt from property taxes

Local Option - Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
Varies (local option)

Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies (local option)

Efficiency Works - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program (Offered by 4 Utilities)

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Air Sealing: $300-$500
Insulation: Up to $1,815
Duct Sealing: $200 (gas-heated homes only)
Window Replacement: Up to $1,000
Air Handler Blower Motor: $150
Whole House Mechanical Ventilation: 20% of cost
Heat Pumps: $500
Replacement Furnace: $300-$500 (gas-heated homes only)
Ductless Mini-Split: $250/head
Replacement Gas Boiler: $300 (gas-heated homes only)
Replacement Water Heater: $100-$500
AC System: $150-$500
Whole House Fan: $275
Evaporative Cooler: $500

Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$35,000

Green Colorado Credit Reserve

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$250,000

Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Lake, and Pitkin Counties - Energy Smart Colorado Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$25,000

Black Hills Energy - Solar Power Program

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Systems sized 0.5 kW - 30 kW: $0.030 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period
Systems sized 30.001 kW - 500 kW: $0.060 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period

Colorado Springs Utilities - Renewable Energy Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: $0.10 per watt

Colorado Springs Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Electric Dryers: $50
Natural Gas Furnace: $250
Natural Gas Water Heater: $50
Insulation & Air Sealing: 40% of job cost, up to $200
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Smart Thermostats: $50
LED lighting: in-store discounts
Irrigation Equipment: Up to $50
Solar Panels: $0.20 per AC Watt

Black Hills Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$650
Heat Pump Ductless Mini Split: $300
Central A/C: $250-$550
Ground Source Heat Pumps: $1,500
Evaporative Cooler: $100-$1000
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Attic Insulation: $0.35/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.65/sq. ft.
Air Sealing/Duct Sealing: 50% of cost
Appliance Recycling: $50

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The phrase "solar incentives" covers a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. You might be eligible for several kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Colorado government and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you exclude the value of your solar system when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to talk with your Fort Carson utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This will allow you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
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Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. It's likely that you've heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of solar system installation, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

To better understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Fort Carson solar panel installer.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Any solar installation project that is completed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032, may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will be decreased slightly each year until the end of the current program. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Fort Carson solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more may be offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. Solar incentives might be given by the Colorado government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fort Carson

The large number of available solar incentives has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the Colorado government or the federal government. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Fort Carson home.

EcoWatch's Fort Carson, CO Solar Incentives FAQs

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar system was installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Fort Carson solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

If I switch my appliances out for ones that can use solar energy, are there credits I can claim?

With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Fort Carson solar installation expert. They can help you plan your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you might or might not qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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