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Renewable Energy
Why Renewable Energy?
Town of Erie’s Sustainability Plan set an ambitious goal of sourcing 20% of residential electricity use from renewable sources by 2025, above and beyond what is already included in the utilities’ fuel mix. Review the programs below to see how you can be a part of achieving this bright goal.
Consider Energy Efficiency FIRST!
One of the best ways to lower the upfront cost of renewable energy is to reduce the total energy you consume. This could allow you to invest in a smaller solar panel system or cover more of your total energy with the renewable energy you produce. Live in Boulder County? You qualify for free home energy advising!
Select the Renewable Energy Program That’s Right for You
Renewable energy options are based on your electric utility and your interest in onsite or subscription-based renewable energy. Use this interactive map to confirm your electricity provider. Onsite options may be right for you if you are looking to invest in rooftop solar. Subscription options may be right for you if you are not interested in investing in rooftop solar at this time, but still want to power your home renewably.
| Electric Utility | Onsite/Subscription | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xcel Energy | Onsite | Net-Metering | Offset your energy use by selling back the excess electricity generated from your solar system |
| United Power | Onsite | Net-Metering | Offset your energy use by selling back the excess electricity generated from your solar system |
| Xcel Energy | Onsite | Solar*Rewards® | Receive an additional $0.005/kWh - .0375/kWh produced. Note: enrolling in Solar*Rewards gives your renewable energy credits back to the utility and the renewable electricity you produce will not count toward Erie’s sustainability plan goals. |
| Xcel Energy | Subscription | Windsource® | Power your home with wind energy for an additional cost of $0.015/kWh |
| United Power | Subscription | Green Power Partners | Power your business with renewable energy for an additional cost of $0.09/kWh |
Financial Opportunities to Lower the Cost of Energy Action
Some financial opportunities are dependent on the county you live in. Use this interactive map to confirm your utility provider and county.
| Resource | Project Type | Eligibility | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit | Solar | All residents – talk with your tax advisor for more details | The solar investment tax credit (ITC) has been extended by Congress and provides 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. This expires in 2024 unless Congress renews it. |
| Boulder County Rebate | Energy Efficiency/Solar | Boulder County residents | Boulder County residents can receive 25% of project cost up to $200 for solar projects that meet 50% of existing electricity consumption. They also offer energy efficiency rebates to help electrify your home! |
| United Power Rebates | Energy Efficiency | United Power Utility Customers | United Power offers rebates for many energy efficiency upgrades including smart thermostats, heat pumps, Energy Star appliances, and even outdoor electric power equipment! |
| Xcel Energy Rebates | Energy Efficiency | Xcel Energy Utility Customers | Xcel Energy Offers a suite of energy efficiency rebates and programs. Check out their website to learn more about energy audits, smart thermostat rebates, heating and cooling rebates, and many more! |
| Colorado RENU Loans | Solar | All Residents | Colorado RENU Loans offer low, fixed interest rates, covering up to 100% of project costs, and loan terms up to 20 years for projects including energy efficiency upgrades, solar, EV charging, battery storage and more! |
| SUN Solar Co-op Solar Equity Loans | Solar | Single family homeowners earning less than 100% of the area median income | SUN Solar Co-op Solar Equity Loans are intended to assist participating Solar Co-op homeowners with low-cost financing for rooftop solar. |
Quick Links
Xcel Energy
United Power
Boulder County
- What is the difference between onsite renewable energy programs and subscription programs?
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- Onsite renewable energy programs are utility programs that support or incentivize the installation of rooftop solar panels. Examples include net-metering (offered by both Xcel Energy and United Power) and Solar*Rewards® (offered by Xcel Energy).
- Renewable energy subscription programs allow customers to pay extra to access the renewable energy credits produced by renewable energy not produced through the customer’s rooftop solar panels. For instance, Xcel Energy’s Windsource® program allows customers to pay a small additional fee to offset their electricity use with electricity produced by Colorado windfarms.
- How to I select the best solar panel contractor?
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If you’re looking to get solar panels installed on your roof, always get at least three quotes.
Check out Xcel Energy’s tips on hiring a solar contractor or United Power’s list of questions to help you navigate your selection process.
Use a pre-approved list of businesses, like the one provided by Boulder County’s EnergySmart program. Even if you don’t live in Boulder County, all of the contractors listed have demonstrated interest in helping residents complete renewable energy projects. The Colorado Solar and Storage Association can also help you navigate potential contractors. Or check out the contractors authorized through the Colorado RENU loan program.
- How can I find out the solar potential of my home?
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Get an estimate of your home’s solar potential using free online tools, such as Google Project Sunroof or NRELS’s PVWatts Calculator.
- Do solar panels increase home value?
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Adding solar to your home now can increase its resale value by as much as $15,000