- Home
- Departments
- Public Works
- Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
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. Check out the energy-saving programs and rebates that Xcel Energy or United Power offer! Live in Boulder County? You qualify for free home energy advising! Do you live in an HOA? Check out this toolkit that will help you connect your HOA with these energy-savings opportunities today.
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 | Onsite | Battery Connect | Earn $1,250 for enrolling your battery storage in an Xcel Energy resiliency program |
| 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 rooftop solar
Some financial opportunities are dependent on the county you live in. Use this interactive map to confirm your utility provider and county.
| Eligibility | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit | 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 | Boulder County residents | Boulder County residents can receive 25% of project cost up to $200 for projects that meet 50% of existing electricity consumption. |
| EnergySmart Low Interest Loans | Boulder County residents | In partnership with Clean Energy Federal Credit Union and Elevations Credit Union, EnergySmart is connecting residents with low interest loans (as low as 2.75%) to help finance energy projects, including rooftop solar. |
| RENU Low Interest Loans | All Residents | Colorado RENU Loan offers low, fixed interest rates starting at 2.75% with no money down, covering up to 100% of project costs, and loan terms up to 20 years for solar. |
Quick Links
Xcel Energy
United Power
Boulder County
- What is the difference between onsite renewable energy programs and subscription programs?
-
- 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?
-
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?
-
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?
-
Adding solar to your home now can increase its resale value by as much as $15,000