Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Windsor Homeowners?
The state of Colorado offers several solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
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: Loan Program Incentive Amount: $25,000 Incentive Type: Rebate Program Incentive Amount: Refrigerators/Freezers: $30 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. Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following essential elements. 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. Solar installers can also earn certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized 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. Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance. You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you. Generally speaking, it will cost about $19,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Windsor. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area. Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. 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. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet. The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Windsor. You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more. Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code! 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
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Clothes Washers: $30-$40
Clothes Dryers: $30-$90
Dishwashers: $20
Standard Water Heaters: $30-$50
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350
Heat Pump Waste Heat (geothermal): $100 plus $25 for a lifetime warranty
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500/ton plus $200/ton 2019 bonus incentive
Ground Source Heat Pump Desuperheater: $100/unit
Air Source Heat Pumps:$300-$450/ton plus $200-$300/ton 2019 bonus incentive plus $100/unit for integrated controlled ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pumps: $85/unit
Air Conditioners: $100-$150
Residential LED Lighting: 50% of cost
Commercial Lighting: Varies, see program website
Irrigation Motors: $1.50-$8.00/hp
Variable Frequency Drives: the lesser of 50% of cost or $1,600-$6,800/unit How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Windsor
Licensing and Training
Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor
Solar Panel Cost Average Cost Solar Monocrystalline $1,137 Solar Polycrystalline $887 Thin-Film $518 Solar Battery $728 Solar Home EV Charger $2,728 Financing Solar Energy in Windsor
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 Windsor
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Windsor?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a rainy or heavily-wooded
How long does the photovoltaic installation process require?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
How can I enhance my solar panels' performance?
Sources
More Best Solar Companies Pages
