Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Broomfield Homeowners?
Colorado homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: cdola.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for renewable energy system property
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: tax.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartcolorado.comIncentive Amount:
Residential
PV: 50% up to $500
Solar Thermal: 50% of project costs
Commercial
50% of project costs
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: bouldercolorado.govIncentive Amount:
~15% refund on sales and use tax for the solar installation
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartcolorado.comIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: cdola.colorado.govIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: efficiencyworks.orgIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: unitedpower.comIncentive Amount:
CFL Recycling: FREE
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
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Up to $50,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Refrigerator Recycling: varies, contact utility for details
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Attic Insulation: $400-$700
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
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$35,000
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$250,000
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: xcelenergy.comIncentive Amount:
2015 Large RFP Program: Incentive Type: Loan Program Incentive Amount: $25,000 Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 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. The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations. While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, it's up to counties and cities to issue their own solar professional if they choose. Solar companies can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information. Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations. You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider provides these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you. You can plan to spend about $19,900 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Broomfield. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Broomfield solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price. Solar companies use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget. The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Broomfield. You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more. Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code! Some states or power companies oblige you to participate in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016 How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Broomfield
Licensing and Training
Cost of Solar Panels in Broomfield
Solar Panel Cost Average Cost Solar Monocrystalline $1,227 Solar Polycrystalline $957 Thin-Film $559 Solar Battery $785 Solar Home EV Charger $2,944 Financing Solar Energy in Broomfield
Solar System Capacity Estimated Payback period 1 kW 1.8 years 2 kW 3.6 years 5 kW 8.9 years 10 kW 17.8 years Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Broomfield
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy easily accessible in Broomfield?
Will solar energy systems boost my Broomfield home price?
How can I check my home's solar potential?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Broomfield?
How can I boost my solar array's performance?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Sources
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