Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
- Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pueblo Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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: 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: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$35,000
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: colorado.govIncentive Amount:
$250,000
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: energysmartcolorado.comIncentive Amount:
$25,000
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: blackhillsenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Systems sized 0.5 kW - 30 kW: $0.030 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period
Systems sized 30.001 kW - 500 kW: $0.060 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: blackhillsenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$650
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: mvea.coopIncentive Amount:
Residential Lighting
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: siea.comIncentive Amount:
LED Bulbs/Fixtures: 50% of cost
Clothes Washer: $70-$80
Clothes Dryer: $80-$90
Dishwasher: $50
Refrigerator/Freezer: $80
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Water Heaters: $20-$350
Roof, Wall, and Floor Insulation: 60% of cost
Air Conditioners: $50-$150
Electric Thermal Storage Unit: $40/kWh
Electric Thermal Storage Thermal Slab: $12/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton (new installation) or $250/ton (replacement)
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton plus $100/unit for integrated ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pump: $85/ton
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive 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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Pueblo
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, the state's unique home-rule structure means counties and cities can issue their own solar professional if they choose. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Pueblo
The type of solar panels you select determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
A majority of Pueblo homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $19,900 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,074 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $838 |
| Thin-Film | $490 |
| Solar Battery | $687 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,577 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pueblo
Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 home or car 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, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pueblo.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.
| 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 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Pueblo
How much money could I save by going solar in Pueblo?
Is solar energy readily available in Pueblo?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What's a Pueblo solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does the photovoltaic installation process last?
What's the average solar system size in Pueblo?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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