The Colorado Solar Energy
voter initiative, Amendment 37, passed by a large margin (54%-46%)
in 2004.
This involves a voluntary
rate increase to subsidize solar electrical generation
at the home or
business with
Solar Energy grid-tied systems. These subsidies mean
a savings of 50-75% on your Solar Energy System.
Key Points of Colorado Amendment 37 Initiative:
- Utility rebate: Up to a total of $4.50 per watt
up to 100kW
- Net metering
- Federal Tax credits: 30% up to $3,000
Paticipating Utilities:
- Xcel Energy
- Aquila
- Colorado Springs Utilities ($3.75 per AC Watt)
- United Power ($2 per Watt, $4,000 Maximum)
Xcel Solar Rebate Policy
Xcel Energy’s Solar Rebate Program provides up to
a $4.50-per-watt incentive for Xcel Energy customers
who install grid-connected solar systems at least 0.5 kW
in capacity, up to a
maximum of 10 kW. The incentive is structured as a $2.00-per-watt
rebate and $2.50-per-watt Renewable Energy Credit (REC) payment.
The Renewable Energy Credit (REC) payment may be adjusted, either
up or down, based on the calculation of expected kWh of electric
output as compared with an optimally oriented, fixed (i.e.,
non-tracking) system at the customer’s location, but only
if the calculated system output differs from the optimally
oriented system output
by more than 10 percent. Battery backup is not covered under
the rebate.
What this basically does is make sure
your system is functional and efficient, and Astralux systems
are built and designed with optimal efficiency in mind.
This is the backbone of Amendment 37, the rebate of $4.50/Watt
is significant – to the point where up to 70% of
the cost of the entire system is covered by this rebate. Also the net metering,
described below, allows the household to create excess energy and
sell it back to Xcel and receive credit on their electricity bill.
Colorado Net Metering Policy
Solar systems that generate electricity
using qualifying renewable-energy resources are eligible
to net meter.
Net excess generation (NEG) in a given month will be applied
as a credit to the following month. If in a calendar year
a customer's generation exceeds consumption, the
utility must reimburse the customer for the excess electricity
generation at
the utility’s average hourly incremental cost for
the prior 12-month period.
If a customer-generator does not own a single bi-directional
meter, then the utility must provide one free of charge.
Systems over 10 kilowatts (kW) in capacity require a second
meter.
This policy has no expiration date, so our customers
can be assured of net metering and NEG from bigger systems.
Boulder Solar Access Ordinance
The City of Boulder’s solar access ordinance guarantees
access to sunlight for homeowners and renters in the city. This
is done by setting limits on the amount of permitted shading by
new construction. A solar access permit is available to those who
have installed or who plan to install a Solar Energy system and
need more protection than is provided by the ordinance.
For new developments, all units which are not planned to incorporate
solar features must be sited to provide good solar access. They
must also have roofs capable of supporting at least 75 square feet
of solar collectors per dwelling unit.
For our customers in the Boulder area, this is another
assurance that their solar system will accommodated in their
neighborhood
and city. Plus, with new households required to support large
solar systems – incorporating our systems with new residential
construction will be easier and more available.
Federal Tax Incentives
The tax credits are for 30% of the cost of the system.
For Residential Systems the maximum credit is $2,000 for
photovoltaic systems, while Commercial Systems have NO
cap.
Commercial tax benefits are even better, click
here for
more information.
The system must provide electricity for the residence, and must
meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.
Other Local Initiatives / Programs:
 Aspen
Solar Pioneer Program – Zero-Interest
Loan
Aspen Solar Pioneer Rebate Program
- Solar thermal: $1,000 - $2,000
- Solar electric: $2/W – limit $6,000
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