What you need to know before going solar in the new year
The solar energy industry has experienced a meteoric rise over the past decade, growing at an impressive annual rate of 26%. Today, over 5 million homes across the United States harness the power of solar energy, and that number is expected to double to 10 million by 2030. This growth is fueled by a global push for clean, renewable energy as governments, industries, and homeowners alike recognize the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
In states like Colorado, where abundant sunshine meets progressive energy policies, solar power is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable living. Homeowners are increasingly making the switch to solar, motivated not only by environmental benefits but also by significant financial savings through rebates, tax credits, and energy bill reductions. With the start of the new year, now is the perfect time to explore how going solar can transform your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your financial well-being.
Whether you're driven by the desire to make a positive environmental impact or simply want to lower your energy bills, solar power offers a compelling solution. Let’s explore the benefits of going solar in Colorado, the incentives available to make it affordable, and the advancements in technology that are shaping the future of this renewable energy source.
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Colorado
Colorado offers a wealth of incentives and rebates to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners. One of the most significant programs is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a 30% tax credit for solar installations through 2032. This incentive, extended under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, significantly reduces upfront costs, making solar an attractive option for many homeowners.
Another noteworthy benefit is the Colorado Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Compliance Payments. Some Colorado utilities offer payments to homeowners who generate excess solar power, providing an additional income stream while encouraging renewable energy production within the state.
Additionally, solar installations in Colorado are eligible for a Property Tax Exemption. While adding solar panels increases your property value, the exemption ensures that you won’t face higher property taxes, further enhancing the financial appeal of going solar.
For even more savings, Colorado offers a variety of Local Rebates and Incentives:
- Energy Smart Colorado: Rebates ranging from $400 to $3,000, depending on location.
- Holy Cross Energy: Per-kilowatt rebates to lower the cost of solar and battery installations.
- City of Boulder: 15% refund on sales and use taxes for solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Finally, Colorado’s Net Metering policy allows homeowners to connect their solar panels to the public utility grid. By selling excess energy back to the grid, homeowners can earn credits that offset future electricity bills, adding yet another layer of financial benefit to going solar in the Centennial State.
These combined incentives and rebates make Colorado one of the most solar-friendly states in the country, offering homeowners both immediate and long-term savings.
Advancements in Solar Technology
The solar industry is rapidly evolving, with innovations aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. While Solar Side Up isn’t offering these yet, we’re excited that the technology continues to progress:
- Bifacial Solar Panels: These panels capture sunlight on both sides, increasing energy production compared to traditional panels.
- Perovskite Solar Cells: Offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional silicon cells, perovskite cells promise higher efficiency and easier manufacturing processes.
- Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): This technology incorporates solar cells directly into building materials, such as roofs and windows, seamlessly integrating energy generation into structures.
Calculate Your Solar Savings
If you're considering going solar, understanding your potential savings is a crucial step in the decision-making process. Fortunately, there are solar savings calculators available online to help you estimate the financial benefits of installing a solar energy system on your property. These tools consider key factors such as your location, current electricity usage, and the size of the solar system you plan to install.
Using a solar savings calculator is simple:
- Enter Your Address: Calculators use your location to assess the average sunlight your home receives, which directly impacts how much energy your solar panels can produce.
- Input Your Monthly Energy Bill: This helps estimate how much of your current energy costs could be offset by solar power.
- Select Your System Size: Depending on your energy needs, the calculator will suggest a solar system size to maximize your savings.
- Review Incentives and Rebates: Many calculators account for federal, state, and local incentives to show how much you could save on installation costs.
With this information, a calculator provides an estimated timeline for your return on investment, detailing how long it will take for your energy savings to cover the initial costs of your solar installation. For homeowners in Colorado, the results are often particularly promising, given the state’s abundant sunlight and numerous financial incentives.
To further simplify the process, Solar Side Up offers free consultations to help you explore your solar savings in detail. Our team can evaluate your specific energy needs, provide personalized system recommendations, and walk you through the available incentives and rebates. Take the guesswork out of going solar and let Solar Side Up guide you toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
Going solar in 2025 offers more benefits than ever, from significant financial incentives to long-term energy savings. Colorado homeowners are uniquely positioned to take advantage of abundant sunshine, generous state programs, and cutting-edge solar technology. With Solar Side Up’s free consultations and expert guidance, making the switch to solar has never been easier. Start your journey today and join the millions already embracing clean, renewable energy.
