614 10th St
Golden, CO 80401

Fax: 720-881-5049
gosolar@goldensolar.net

Call 303-955-6332 for a free consultation

Learn More About Solar Power

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Benefits

  • Produce your own power
  • Increase your property's value
  • Reduce pollution and CO2 emissions
  • Clean
  • Quiet
  • Maintenance free
  • Protect against future rate hikes
  • Strengthen national energy security

What are the steps involved in a PV installation?

Parts of a PV system

It's important to do some research before choosing a solar installer. According to Find Solar, this is the way to do it:

"When selecting a Solar Pro, look for a company that has experience installing ...the type of renewable energy system you seek. Ask them how many years they`ve been in business, ask what licenses they hold, and get (and check) references. Also ask if they have any specific manufacturer or industry training or certifications. Remember, renewable energy systems are an asset, that properly installed should provide many years of reliable service. You want a qualified professional. Get several bids, but picking the lowest bid is not necessarily the goal. Choose experience and quality too. Also compare warranty and service policies offered by competing bids."

Once you sign a contract, we can start the rebate process and get confirmation from Xcel (or any utility in Colorado that is partnering with the Governor's Energy Office on their residential solar rebate program). It usually takes about 30 days for approval. We can then order materials and set a date for installation. Once the panels arrive, the work can usually start within a week. After submitting the final paperwork, Xcel reviews the system and verifies the permits, which takes about another three weeks. After that, Xcel arranges for a net meter to be installed -- and then YOU are generating electricity from the sun!

For more information about Xcel's Solar*Rewards program, see Xcel's web page.

Solar Energy Incentives in Colorado

A large rooftop solar array

Amendment 37

Passed by Colorado voters in 2004, the amendment mandates that utilities with more than 40,000 customers generate 10% of their electricity from renewable sources by the year 2015. It requires that 4% of that 10% must come from solar electric generation. It was the first voter-initiated renewable energy legislation is the U.S.

This was updated by legislation in 2006 to require these large utilities to generate 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. There is still a 4% solar "carveout."

Again, in 2010, legislation expanded the renewable energy standard, requiring investor-owned utilities to generate at least 30% of their electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, new hydro, or recycled energy by 2020; at least 3% from “distributed generation” with half from on-site renewable. Incrementally implements certification standards to participate in utility and state incentive programs.

Utility Rebates

Xcel Energy and other utilities offer rebates, but those rebates are declining. For current Xcel rebates and other rebates see Xcel's website or contact us. We can lock in the current utility rebate level for you if you contact us.

Tax Credit

As part of the 2005 Energy Bill, the federal tax credit covers 30% of a solar energy installation costs. In October 2008, Congress passed an 8-year extension to this tax credit and removed the $2000 cap for residential installations. Look up "Energy Incentives" on the IRS website or check with your tax adviser for details.

Businesses can depreciate the full cost of the system over five years. Churches and other non-profit organizations may not take the federal tax credits or depreciation benefits directly; but are able to gain most of those benefits through our solar leasing program. Please contact us for details.

Net Metering

Net metering is a program that utilities offer to their customers who generate electricity. For residential solar systems, a special meter is installed to run forward as power is used in the home, and to run backward as surplus power from the PV system is supplied to the grid. Some utilities will refund the excess if, at the end of the year, the system generated more power than was used in the home. Others simply roll over any excess kW hours. Check with us or with your electric utility to determine their policy.

Find Out More

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