Up to $15,000 for Solar Energy System Installations
The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) offers a Solar Rebate Program to homeowners and small businesses wishing to install a solar electric or solar domestic hot water system. The GEO has provided matching grants to select Program Partners with the goal of developing local solar electric and solar domestic hot water system rebate programs.
• Solar Electric
The Residential Solar Electric Program currently offers rebates of up to $6,000 per system ($3,000 from the GEO and $3,000 from Program Partners) to qualified homeowners through their local Partner for the installation and upgrade of net metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.  Rebates of up to $15,000 for small businesses will be available in January 2009.  The Solar Electric Program is not available in Investor-Owned Utility (Xcel Energy and Aquila Colorado) service territories.
• Solar Domestic Hot Water
The Solar Domestic Hot Water Program offers rebates of up to $3,000 per system ($1,500 from the GEO and $1,500 from Program Partners) to qualified homeowners through their local Partner to homeowners who use solar energy to heat domestic water.  Rebates of up to $9,000 for small businesses will be available in January 2009.  The Solar Domestic Hot Water Program is available statewide.
Contact:  GEO Residential Solar Program Administrator, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA), 841 Front Street, Louisville, CO 80024; 303-333-7342 or 888-633-9764; Fax:  303-474-7579; http://www.colorado.gov/energy/renewables/ResidentialSolarProgram.asp

Cash Incentives to Install a PV Solar System

Aquila's On-Site Solar PV Rebate Program provides an incentive of $2 per watt DC of installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity combined with a separate payment for the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the PV-generated electricity over a 20-year period. The rebate and REC payment incentive program are available to any Aquila customer who installs a new PV system up to 100 kilowatts (kW) in capacity for on-site use.  Aquila recommends using a qualified PV installation contractor from a list furnished by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society, available at:  http://www.coseia.org/.  For more details, contact:  Aquila PV Rebate Program, Aquila, Inc., 105 South Victoria, Pueblo, CO 81003; 800-454-8651; http://pv.aquilaprograms.com/
Application:  http://pv.aquilaprograms.com/download/website.program.application.and.agreement.pdf

Tax Refunds for PV & Solar Water Installations
The City of Boulder offers a solar sales and use tax rebate for photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating installations. PV owners may receive a rebate (essentially a tax refund) drawn from the unrestricted tax revenues collected from solar energy sales.  Approximately 55% of solar sales and use tax revenues go to restricted funds. Of the unrestricted revenues, 35% percent is refunded to the PV system owner.  For more details, contact:  City of Boulder, Office of Environmental Affairs, Boulder, CO 80306; 303-441-3878; Fax:  303-441-4070; http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7700&Itemid=2845
Application:  http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/Environmental%20Affairs/climate%20and%20energy/Solar%20Rebate/solar_rebate_form_final_fillable.pdf

Grant $$ to Install Energy Saving Measures on Affordable Housing Developments
A portion (65%) of the renewable energy fund (listed above) is dedicated for the purpose of providing financial assistance through grants toward installation of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems.  The ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund is used to rehabilitate or install solar energy systems on affordable housing developments and site-based non-profit organizations in Boulder.  The amount of each grant varies, depending on the project.  For more information, contact:  City of Boulder, Office of Environmental Affairs, Boulder, CO 80306; 303-441-3878; Fax:  303-441-4070; http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7700&Itemid=2845
Application:  http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/climatesmart_solargrant_ver1.pdf (for non-profits or housing projects) and http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/climatesmart_solargrant_ver2.pdf (for homeowners)

$$ Rebates for PV Solar System Installations
Through its Renewable Energy Rebate Program, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) offers a $3.75 per-watt (AC) rebate to customers who install grid-connected solar electric (PV) systems with a minimum capacity of 500 watts and a maximum of 10 kW for residential systems and 25 kW for commercial systems.  The incentive amount is likely to decrease by $0.25 to $0.50 per watt per year.  Qualifying PV modules must be included in the California Energy Commission (CEC) List of Eligible Photovoltaic Modules found at http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/cgi-bin/eligible_pvmodules.cgi.  Qualifying inverters must be included in the CEC List of Eligible Inverters found at http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/cgi-bin/eligible_inverters.cgi.  To find out more about this incentive, contact:  Colorado Springs Utilities, P.O. Box 1103, Colorado Springs, CO 80947; 719-668-8509; Fax:  719-668-2510; http://www.csu.org/residential/rebates/renew_rebate/index.html
Application:  http://www.csu.org/residential/rebates/renew_rebate/9541.pdf

$25,000 for Renewable Energy Projects
Gunnison County Electric Association's (GCEA) low-interest loan program is available to members and non-members in the GCEA service territory for the installation of photovoltaic, wind, and other renewable energy projects as approved by the board of directors. A loan of up to $25,000 over 10 years is available to qualifying participants. Current interest rates vary by month but are fixed at the time the loan is made.  The loan does not cover batteries, and is limited to systems 10kW or smaller.  Contact:  Program Information, Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc., 37250 Hwy. 50, P.O. Box 180, Gunnison, CO 81230; 970-641-3520; Fax:  970-641-5302; http://www.gcea.coop/

$20,000 Rebates to Install New Energy Technologies
Holy Cross Energy's WE CARE (With Efficiency, Conservation And Renewable Energy) Program offers a $2.00-per-watt DC incentive for renewable energy generation using wind, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, biomass or geothermal technology. Payments are not to exceed 50% of actual installed costs, and the maximum rebate per installation is $20,000. While systems larger than 10 kW are capped at the $20,000 rebate level, there is technically no capacity limit to participate in the rebate program.  Systems must be within Holy Cross’s service territory and connected to Holy Cross Energy's electric system to qualify for renewable energy incentives.  For more details, contact:  Holy Cross Energy, P.O. Box 2150, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602-2150; 970-947-5430; Fax:  970-947-5455; http://www.holycross.com/
Application:  http://www.holycross.com/media/EDocs/WE_CARE_Application__Rev_5_122107_.pdf

$3,000 for New Installations of Solar Systems
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) offers a one-time rebate, not to exceed the cost of the system, to residential customers who install a solar, wind or hydropower facility. To be eligible for the rebate, the system must be grid-tied and located in LPEA's service territory. The rebate is $2 per watt up to $3,000.  Customers retain ownership of the renewable-energy credits (RECs) associated with the electricity they generate.  To learn more, contact:  La Plata Electric Association, 45 Stewart St., P.O. Box 2750, Durango, CO 81302; 970-247-5786; Fax:  970-247-2674; http://www.lpea.coop/company_info/Board%20Policies/300%20series%20PDF/Policy%20359.pdf

Property Tax or Sales Tax Exemption for Homes & Businesses
Colorado enacted legislation in April 2007 (SB 145) to authorize counties and municipalities to offer property or sales tax rebates or credits to residential and commercial property owners who install renewable energy systems on their property.  Eligible renewable energy property is defined as any fixture, product, system, device or interacting group of devices that produce electricity from renewable resources, including, but not limited to, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, small wind systems, biomass systems, or geothermal systems.  The program would be administered at the local level by individual cities and counties. Individuals should contact the cities or counties where their property is located to see if a tax rebate or credit will be established in their community.  Websites for many Colorado cities can be found at the Colorado Municipal League website:  http://www.cml.org/.  Websites for Colorado counties can be found at the Colorado Counties, Inc. website:    http://www.ccionline.org/.  You can read more about this exemption here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/31EEE26AB55EDC4A87257251007D4FBD?open&file=145_enr.pdf

Credits Applied to Your Account for Energy Upgrades
Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) will pay credits to MVEA customers who install selected electrical heating systems and/or selected electrical appliances. The items covered by this credit program are:
• Heat Pumps: $125 - $150 per ton
• Terminal Unit: $85/unit
• Resistance Heating/ETS: $6-$16/kW
• Electric Water Heater: $50/unit plus additional rebate for timer and lifetime warranty
Application must be submitted within 180 days of installation.  To learn more, contact:  Member Services, Mountain View Electric Association, Inc., 1655 5th Street, Limon, CO 80828-1600; 719-775-2861 or 800-388-9881; Fax:  719-775-9513; http://www.mvea.coop/documents/Credits%20Program07.pdf

Energy Efficiency Utility Rebates
The Sangre De Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) offers the Energy Efficiency Credit Program, a rebate program for space heaters and water heaters that run on off-peak time periods and Energy Star refrigerators and freezers.  For Space Heating, only permanent installations are eligible for this program and the minimum installation allowed is 1,000 watts. Rebate amounts are: $10 per kilowatt for resistive devices, $25 per kilowatt for electric thermal storage devices and $25 per timer installed. Credit must be requested within 180 days of installation. Heat pumps are also eligible for rebates; customers should contact SDCEA for more information on amounts and eligibility.  New and replacement water heaters are also eligible for rebates under this program. Eligible water heaters are at least 30 gallons, have a six-year warranty, and satisfy the energy factor requirements on the program website. Water heaters are eligible for a $100 rebate per unit, and a $25 rebate per timer device. In addition, the customer can receive a $25 rebate for purchasing a lifetime warranty on the water heater. The Energy Star Refrigerator and Freezer program provides rebates of $40/unit for customers who submit a receipt and an application signed by an SDCEA representative within 180 days of the equipment purchase.  Contact:  Program Manager – SDCEA, Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, 29780 North U.S. Highway 24, P.O. Box 2013, Buena Vista, CO 81211; 719-395-2412 or 800-933-3823; Fax:  719-395-8742; http://www.myelectric.coop/products/eec.cfm

Up to $200,000 for Solar Energy Systems
Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards Program provides an incentive of up to $3.50-per-watt (DC) for customers who install grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems ranging from 0.5 kilowatts (kW) to 10 kW-DC in capacity. The incentive is structured as a $2.00-per-watt rebate and a renewable-energy credit (REC) payment of up to $1.50 per watt. The REC payment may be adjusted, either up or down, based on the calculation of a system's expected electricity output, compared with an optimally oriented, fixed (i.e., non-tracking) system at the customer’s location, but only if the calculated system output differs from the optimally oriented system output by more than 10%. Battery storage is not covered by the rebate.  Maximum incentives are $35,000 for systems up to 10 kW; and $200,000 for the rebate portion for systems >10 kW up to 100 kW.  To qualify for a solar rebate, participants must receive approval from Xcel Energy prior to installing the system.  Contact:  Xcel Energy, 5050 N Service Drive, Winona, CO  80202; 507-457-1249; http://www.xcelenergy.com/Residential/Programs_Resources/Pages/Programs_Resources.aspx

Up to $2,500 for Energy Efficiency Installations
United Power offers rebates for the installation of a variety of energy efficient equipment including heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and motors. Customers should contact a United Power Member Services representative prior to purchasing and installing any new equipment to ensure program requirements are met. All credits must be requested within 180 days of installation. An inspection report signed by a United Power Energy Management Specialist is required to qualify for any of these credits.  Rebates range from $20 up to $2,500.  In addition, during the holiday season, United Power offers a rebate for energy efficienct LED holiday lights. Rebates of $2 per strand of 49 lights of less and $4 per strands of 50 lights or more, will be offered as a credit on the customer's bill.  Contact:  Energy Management Team, United Power, 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, CO 80603; 303-659-0551 or 800-468-8809; http://www.unitedpower.com/rebate.aspx 

Grants, Loans & More for Renewable Energy Needs
The New Energy Economic Development (NEED) program receives its funding from the Clean Energy Fund, and provides grants, loans and other financial incentives to attract manufacturers of renewable energy and energy efficient products to the state.  Preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate the ability to provide substantial matching funds. (However, matching funds are not required if an applicant demonstrates sufficient need.)  To learn more, contact:  Governor's Energy Office, 1580 Logan Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80203; 303-866-2100 or 800-632-6662; Fax:  303-866-2930; http://www.colorado.gov/energy/resources/funding-opportunities.asp

Grants for Non-Profits to Install Solar Electric Systems
Namaste Solar Electric provides grants to help local non-profits install photovoltaic (PV) systems on their buildings.  Two types of grants are available through the program: matching grants and full grants. Matching grants allow non-profits to install PV systems with minimal investments. Namaste Solar's contribution is determined by calculating the retail price of the solar system and deducting the utility rebate amount (generally 50%-60%). Namaste Solar will contribute 50% of the remaining amount. The nonprofit's contribution can be secured through other grants, fundraisers or angel donors, or with general operating funds. With full grants, Namaste Solar donates 100% of the post-rebate cost of the solar system.  Contact:  Namaste Solar Electric, Inc., 2639 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302; 303-447-0300, ext. 220; http://www.namastesolar.com/donations.html

Renewable Energy Property Tax Assessment
In Colorado, property tax for utility-scale electric-generating facilities is based on installed cost. Renewable-energy facilities installed are assessed property taxes as though their installed costs were comparable to those of nonrenewable-energy facilities. The incremental value of the renewable facilities above the nonrenewable facilities is disregarded. The Colorado Division of Property Taxation is responsible for determining the nonrenewable comparison value each year. To learn more, contact:  Department of Local Affairs, Division of Property Taxation, 1313 Sherman Street, #419, Denver, CO 80203; 303-866-2371; http://www.dola.state.co.us/dpt/state_assessed/index.htm

Commercial and Industrial Energy Grant Program
Holy Cross Energy has developed a voluntary carbon reduction strategy designed to slow the growth of carbon dioxide emissions created in the generation of electricity. It offers its industrial and commercial members an energy efficiency grant which can pay for up to half the cost of a professional, engineering grade energy use evaluation of the consumer's facilities, or up to half the cost of actual labor, equipment and/or material costs to install energy saving measures identified in an energy evaluation.  For more information, contact:  Member Service Representative, Holy Cross Energy, 3799 Highway 82, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601-9349; 970-945-5491; Fax:  970-945-4081; http://www.holycross.com/

Up to $10,000 to Install Small Wind Turbines
The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) provided matching grants to three electric cooperatives and one municipal electric utility to provide rebates for small wind to their local businesses and residents. The GEO established some basic rules but gave the participating administrators flexibility to modify their programs to best suit their customer's needs. In general, an incentive may not exceed 50% of the installed system cost.  Recipients of the incentive must also meet some basic efficiency requirements designed by the participating administrators.  The maximum incentive amounts are $5,000 to $10,000, which varies by utility.  The participants providing small wind rebates at this time are:
• Highline Electric Association; 970-854-2236; http://www.hea.coop/
• Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, Inc; 719-395-4590; http://www.myelectric.coop/solar/WindRebate.cfm
• Southeast Colorado Power Association; 719-384-2551; http://www.secpa.com/Sites/RenewableGenerationIncentives.htm
• Town of Estes Park; 970-577-3583; http://www.estesnet.com/
Contact:  Governor's Energy Office, Eastern Plains Regional Representative, 1580 Logan Street, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80203; 970-371-3939; http://www.colorado.gov/energy/renewables/small-wind-incentive.asp

Business Lighting Rebates
Colorado Springs Utilities offers an incentive for its business customers to upgrade their facility's lighting through their Business Lighting Rebate Program. The rebate is offered only for retrofitting and the amount is on a per-fixture basis, and varies by the number of lamps in each fixture. Original purchase receipts must be included with the application form.  Contact:  Colorado Springs Utilities, Business Lighting Rebate, PO Box 1103, Mail Code 1025, Colorado Springs, CO 80947; 719-448-4800; http://www.csu.org/business/rebates/lighting/index.html
Application:  http://www.csu.org/business/rebates/lighting/7959.pdf

$$ Rebates for Commercial Cooling Needs
Estes Park Light and Power Department offers its commercial customers an incentive to install energy efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps. Additional Bonus Rebates can be granted; check on the website for more details. All systems must meet minimum efficiency standards described on their website. Applications must be received by Platte River within 60 days of the installation date.  Contact:  Estes Park Power & Light, Customer Service, 170 MacGregor Avenue, P.O. Box 1200, Estes Park, CO 80517; 970-586-5331 or 970-577-3580; Fax:  970-586-6909 or Platte River Power Authority, Rebate Program Administrator, 2000 East Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525; 970-226-4000; Fax:  970-229-5244; http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppoverview.htm
Application:  http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppmaterials.htm

$70,000 to Upgrade Business Equipment
Fort Collins provides businesses incentives for new construction projects and existing building retrofits. The Electric Efficiency Program encourages companies to retrofit their facilities with new energy efficient equipment including lighting, air conditioning, motors, mechanical systems and industrial process improvements. A free energy audit performed by the utility can help decide what the incentives should be used for. Incentives for are the greater of $500 per kilowatt (kW) of summer peak demand reduction or $0.10 per annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved. Typically, the incentive pays for 25% to 50% of the project costs. Incentives must be approved before the project starts.  Fort Collins Utilities also offers cash rebates for upgrading to energy efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps. The amount of the rebate depends on the efficiency of the equipment. For air conditioners, rebates range from $50/ton to $65/ton, plus bonus incentives for units which are more efficient than the program requires. For heat pumps, rebates are worth $50/ton plus bonus incentives. Application must be received within 60 days of installation date.  Contact:  Fort Collins Utilities, The Power-to-Save Team, 330 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524; 970-221-6700; http://fcgov.com/conservation/biz-eep.php
Application:  http://fcgov.com/conservation/xls/eep_proj_app-2007.xls

$50,000 + Design Assistance for Energy Efficient Buildings
The Integrated Design Assistance Program encourages the construction of new energy efficient buildings by offering rebates and design assistance. Participating companies can choose either prescriptive rebates for certain equipment types, or they can take a whole building approach. Businesses taking advantage of the whole design approach can receive up to $50,000 to help offset costs for additional design professionals, and the greater of $500 per kilowatt (kW) of summer peak demand reduction or $0.10 per annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved.  Contact:  Fort Collins Utilities, The Power-to-Save Team, 330 S. College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524; 970-221-6700; http://fcgov.com/conservation/biz-eep.php

$$ to Install Energy Saving A/Cs and Heat Pumps
Longmont Power and Communications offers its commercial customers an incentive to install energy efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps. The rebate is a per ton amount which varies with system size from $50-$65/ton for systems between 64,999 Btu/h and 239,999 Btu/h. All systems must meet minimum efficiency standards described in the website. Rebate qualifications and amounts are subject to change at any time. Contact:  Longmont Power & Communications, Customer Service, 1100 South Sherman Street, Longmont, CO 80501; 303-651-8386; http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppoverview.htm
Application:  http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppmaterials.htm

$100,000 for New Energy Efficient Equipment
Longmont Power & Communication offers an incentive for its business customers to install new or retrofitted energy efficient equipment in their facilities. Projects can qualify for the greater of $0.10 per annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy savings or $500 per kilowatt (kW) summer demand savings. Incentive caps may apply. Projects are eligible for funding only if an application is processed by LPC or Platte River prior to beginning work. There is a limit of $100,000 per customer per year.  Contact:  Longmont Power & Communications, Customer Service, 1100 South Sherman Street, Longmont, CO 80501; 303-651-8386; http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/lpc/bus/eep_homepage.htm

Free Money to Upgrade Your Lighting & Fixtures
For energy efficient lighting, Longmont Power & Communication offers the LightenUP Program. Incentives vary depending on the types of fixtures and whether the lights are being installed in a new construction, or they are replacing less efficient lights in an existing building. For retrofit projects, rebates range from $500-$550/kW. Specific rates are listed on the program website.  Contact:  Longmont Power & Communications, Customer Service, 1100 South Sherman Street, Longmont, CO 80501; 303-651-8386;  http://www.prpa.org/productservices/lightenup.htm

$50 to $100 Rebates for Dishwashers, Washing Machines & Toilets
Longmont Power and Communications offers an incentive for its residential and commercial customers to install energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers.  The rebates are as follows: $50 for ENERGY STAR dishwashers; $50 for ENERGY STAR clothes washers; $50 for ultra-low volume toilets; and $100 for dual-flow toilets.  The original receipt or other manufacturer documentation must be shown upon request of the rebate.  Contact:  Longmont Power & Communications, Customer Service, 1100 South Sherman Street, Longmont, CO 80501; 303-651-8386; http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/lpc/
Application:  http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/lpc/gen/toolbox/pdfs/2008rebate_app.pdf

Cash Back for A/Cs and Heat Pumps
Loveland Water and Power offers its commercial and industrial customers an incentive to install energy efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps. The incentive amount is $65/ton for systems with a minimum efficiency rating of 13 SEER and 64,999 Btu/h or lower, and $50/ton for systems with a minimum efficiency rating of 11.0 EER between 65,000 and 134,999 Btu/h; a rating of 10.8 between 135,000 Btu/h and 239,999 Btu/h and a rating of 10.0 if the system is 240,000 Btu/h or higher.  For specific incentives, contact:  Loveland Water and Power, Customer Service, 500 East Third Street, Civic Center Complex, South Annex, Loveland, CO 80537; 970-962-3000; http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppoverview.htm
Application:  http://www.prpa.org/productservices/crppmaterials.htm

$70,000 to Save Energy + Free Money for Light Fixtures
Loveland Water and Power offers an incentive for its business customers to install new or retrofitted energy efficient equipment in their facilities. During the summer peak period from 3 to 7 pm, June through August, Platte River will reward participating facilities with a $500 per kW-reduced rebate. All other times participants are awarded $.10 per annual kW saved. Projects are eligible for funding only if an application is processed by LPC or Platte River prior to beginning work. There is a limit of $70,000 per customer per year. For energy efficient lighting, Loveland Water and Power offers the LightenUP Program. Incentives vary depending on the types of fixtures and whether the lights are being installed in a new construction, or they are replacing less efficient lights in an existing building. For retrofit projects, rebates range from $500-$550/kW. For information on either program, contact: Loveland Water and Power, Customer Service, 500 East Third Street, Civic Center Complex, South Annex, Loveland, CO 80537; 970-962-3000; http://www.prpa.org/productservices/eepoverview.htm and http://www.prpa.org/productservices/lightenup.htm

Free Money for a Variety of Energy Improvements
Xcel Energy offers rebate programs for Colorado commercial customers for a wide range of energy efficiency technologies including heating and cooling, motors, lighting, and refrigeration. In many cases, Xcel energy will cover at least part of the cost of the assessment, in addition to the equipment installation rebate. If the customer would like to make energy efficiency improvements that are not included in their specific rebate programs, they may be eligible for the custom rebate program.  In conjunction with these prescriptive and custom rebate programs, Xcel Energy also offers design assistance and recommissioning diagnosis for commercial customers. Energy Design Assistance is only for new construction, additions, or major renovations to commercial spaces over 50,000 sq. ft. or housing/condominium projects over 150,000 square feet.  To learn more about specific incentives, contact: Customer Service, Xcel Energy, Business Programs, 1225 17th Street, Suite 1300, Denver, CO 80202; 800-895-4999; http://www.xcelenergy.com/