2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Security-Widefield, CO - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Security-Widefield.
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.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Security-Widefield?
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
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
Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program
Green Colorado Credit Reserve
Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Lake, and Pitkin Counties - Energy Smart Colorado Loan Program
Black Hills Energy - Solar Power Program
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
Colorado Springs Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
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
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
Mountain View Electric Association, Inc - Energy Efficiency Rebates Program
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/kWAir 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
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. The incentives may include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Colorado and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund credited to your account after you've paid for your solar system. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Security-Widefield utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar incentives. 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 percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, labor and equipment. This credit can be claimed on a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although depending on when the project was completed, your credit may range from 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Security-Widefield solar panel installation expert to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The credit percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Security-Widefield solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives might be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of Colorado. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Security-Widefield
Solar incentives can be provided by the federal government, the Colorado government or your local utility company. The growing number of solar incentives available has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Your local Security-Widefield solar panel installation company can provide you with more details about which incentives you may qualify for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Security-Widefield, CO Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?
Generally, solar incentives apply to:
- a new solar panel system
- installed on property that you own
- within the U.S.
- within the date range specified by a particular incentive.
Specific incentives, including those run by the Colorado government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Speak with your local Security-Widefield solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.
What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?
To discover the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Security-Widefield.
What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 500 pounds yearly, or around 11,000 pounds in 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, previously 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.
I want to change out my appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any benefits I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces several incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives 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.