2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fountain, CO - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 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 Fountain solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Fountain?

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

Southeast Colorado Power Association - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Note that the rebates listed here are a combination of Tri-State rebates and SECPA rebates

Electric Heat Pump (Central Air Source): $300-$475/ton plus $100/unit for ETS backup, $85/unit for terminal units
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $550-$600/ton
Air Conditioners: $100-$150/unit
Commercial LED Lighting: Varies
LED Lamps: lower of $8/lamp or fixture or 50% of cost
Water Heaters: Varies, see website
Refrigerators/freezers: $80/unit plus $60/unit additional for refrigerator/freezer recycling
Clothes Washers: $80-$90/unit
Clothes Dryers: $30-$90
Dishwashers: $20-$40/unit
Irrigation Motors: $10/HP plus $1.50/HP wiring assistance if the motor replaces a fossil fuel engine or is a new installation
Variable Speed Drive Retrofit: Lesser of 50% of cost or $20,000/project
Low Income Weatherization: up to $500
Electric Thermal Storage Units: $20/kW
Thermal Slab: $12/kW

Mountain View Electric Association, Inc - Energy Efficiency Rebates Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential Lighting
Energy Star LED Bulbs: 50% of cost

Residential Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer: $30/unit plus $60/unit if recycled
Dryer: $30-$90
Clothes Washer: $30-$40
Dishwasher: $20
Water Heater: $50-$350/unit
Marathon Electric Water Heater: $200/unit plus $2/gallon
Air Conditioner: $100-$150
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton
Geothermal Heat Pump Replacement: $250
Thermal Storage: $16-$20/kW Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $85/unit

Commercial Lighting
LED/Induction Street Lighting: 25% of cost
LED Refrigerated Case Lighting Retrofit: 50% of cost
Other Lighting Incentives: Vary, see program website

San Isabel Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
LED Bulbs/Fixtures: 50% of cost
Clothes Washer: $70-$80
Clothes Dryer: $80-$90
Dishwasher: $50
Refrigerator/Freezer: $80
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Water Heaters: $20-$350
Roof, Wall, and Floor Insulation: 60% of cost
Air Conditioners: $50-$150
Electric Thermal Storage Unit: $40/kWh
Electric Thermal Storage Thermal Slab: $12/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton (new installation) or $250/ton (replacement)
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton plus $100/unit for integrated ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pump: $85/ton

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" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage people to use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Incentives may include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the state of Colorado or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. Any rebates you receive will usually be deducted from the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Fountain utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC applies to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, equipment and labor — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Talking to your local Fountain solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. You can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Fountain solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more can be offered at a more local level. These incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the Colorado government. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fountain

There are many types of solar incentives: those provided by the federal government, those provided by the Colorado government and those provided by local utility companies, to name a few. The use of solar energy has increased enormously in the last 15 years, partially thanks to these incentives. Your local Fountain solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Fountain, CO Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those run by the Colorado government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Fountain solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project will qualify for.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my Fountain home?

On average, Fountain homeowners who install solar panels save around $1,289.00 per year, or around $24,491.00 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Fountain.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, formerly called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

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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