Website home about our city

Solar Rebates

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation

Now's the Time to Go Solar

Fort Collins Utilities offers rebates for photovoltaic (PV) system installations.

You will receive full credit for the electricity generated by your PV system through our net metering program. Federal tax incentives also are available.

Available Rebates

  • Residential: $2/watt*, up to 3 kilowatts (kW)
  • Commercial: $2/watt*, up to 10 kilowatts (kW)

*Rebate amounts are a combination of the $1/watt base incentive and $1/watt 20-year Renewable Energy Credit (REC) purchase.

Note: Solar thermal rebates are not available from Utilities in 2012.

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis via e-mail at starting January 30, 2012.

Rebate reservations will be confirmed after February 29. If the applications received exceed available funding, a drawing will be held March 2. Applicants who do not receive a rebate will be placed on a wait list.

Requirements

  • Must be a Fort Collins Utilities electric customer.
  • PV system must be sized between 500 watts and 10 kW (up to 25kW for commercial installations).
  • System must meet Utilities Interconnection Standards (PDF 353KB).
  • Equipment must be new and UL listed (eligible equipment list).
  • System cannot be shaded between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. If questionable, applicant must submit shading analysis (check with your solar contractor).
  • Agreement to manage trees and other potential shading sources
  • System orientation must achieve minimum of 90% of estimated ideal annual output (based on the NREL PV Watts Calculator).
  • System must be approved by Fort Collins Utilities before connecting to electric grid.
  • System must be installed within six months of rebate reservation.
  • Must obtain an on-site energy audit, or provide documentation of a recent audit, by a qualified energy auditor before rebate processing is finalized. Contact Utilities for list of qualified auditors.
  • Provide copies of permits and supporting documents as outlined in application (XLS 163KB).
  • Review and sign Fort Collins Utilities' Interconnection and Net Metering Agreement (PDF 25KB), Solar Rebate Agreement (PDF 5KB) and Solar REC Contract (PDF 164KB).

Learn about program submittal procedures and FAQs.