2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Gunbarrel, CO - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Gunbarrel.
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 Gunbarrel solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Gunbarrel?
Property Tax Exemption for Residential Renewable Energy Equipment
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment
Eagle County - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program
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
Roaring Fork Valley - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program
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
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid
Local Option - Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Efficiency Works - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program (Offered by 4 Utilities)
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
United Power - Residential Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
New Energy Star Refrigerator/Freezer: $30
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $75
New Energy Star Clothes Washer: $40
New Energy Star Dishwasher: $20
New Electric Thermal Storage Units (on automated Time-of-Day control panel): $4-$16/kW
New Electric Thermal Slab (on automated Time-of-Day control panel): $4-12/kW
Water Heaters: $20-$400
Terminal Unit for Heat Pump A/C Units: $75-$85/Unit
Heat Pumps: $100-$450/ton
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200-$500/ton
Air Conditioners: $100-$150
Xcel Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing
Xcel Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Natural Gas Furnace: $300
EC Motor in New or Existing Furnace: $100
Air Conditioning/Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$600
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300
Water Heater: $70-$450
Evaporative Cooling: $200-$1,200
Attic Insulation: $350-$600
Wall Insulation: $350-$600
Air Sealing, bypass sealing, and weather-stripping: $175-$450
Ground Source Heat Pump: $300/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Xcel Energy - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Air Sealing/Bypass Sealing/Weather-Stripping: $250-$550
High Efficiency Lighting: 30% of cost
Wall Insulation: $450-$700
Evaporative Cooling System: $325-$1200
Central Air Conditioner (New): $400 - $700
Central Air Conditioner (Trade In): $550
Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump: $300 per ton
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $550
Programmable Thermostat: $25
High Efficiency Furnace: $400
Electrically Commuted Motor: $125
Tankless Water Heater: $200
Standard Tank Water Heater: $100
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $15
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $30
Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program
Green Colorado Credit Reserve
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Community Program
Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016
Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Lake, and Pitkin Counties - Energy Smart Colorado Loan Program
Poudre Valley REA - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Clothes Washers: $30-$40
Clothes Dryers: $30-$90
Dishwashers: $20
Standard Water Heaters: $30-$50
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350
Heat Pump Waste Heat (geothermal): $100 plus $25 for a lifetime warranty
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500/ton plus $200/ton 2019 bonus incentive
Ground Source Heat Pump Desuperheater: $100/unit
Air Source Heat Pumps:$300-$450/ton plus $200-$300/ton 2019 bonus incentive plus $100/unit for integrated controlled ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pumps: $85/unit
Air Conditioners: $100-$150
Residential LED Lighting: 50% of cost
Commercial Lighting: Varies, see program website
Irrigation Motors: $1.50-$8.00/hp
Variable Frequency Drives: the lesser of 50% of cost or $1,600-$6,800/unit
Boulder County - EnergySmart Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" includes a wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, like cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be offered by the state of Colorado, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.
- Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually be deducted from the total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Gunbarrel utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To more fully understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Gunbarrel solar panel installation expert and request more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. The total credit will then see a slight annual decrease until its expiration. Starting 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 Gunbarrel solar panel installer can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. Incentives may be provided by the Colorado government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Gunbarrel
Solar energy use nationwide has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part due to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Colorado government. Your local Gunbarrel solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Gunbarrel, CO Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?
An excellent idea would be to talk to someone from the company that installed your solar system – or reach out to a local Gunbarrel solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar panels installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in Gunbarrel?
When you add solar panels to your house in Gunbarrel, you can anticipate savings of around $985.55 per year, or about $18,725.48 over the next 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Gunbarrel.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are several new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
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.