Solar power is rocking this Rocky Mountain city

The state of solar in Boulder

Boulder takes clean energy seriously, and many residents have already made the switch to solar power. The city declared a Climate Emergency on July 23, 2019, at which time it created a goal to utilize 100% renewable energy by 2030. Because Boulder experiences 245 sunny days each year,^*Best Places. Climate in Boulder, CO. April 2021. the city is in a prime location to use solar energy to its full potential.

How much solar energy does Boulder produce?

Boulder has a total installed solar capacity of 44 MW as of April 2020, equating to .411 kW per capita. Roughly 19 KW (43.18%) comes from non-residential sources, 19 MW (43.18%) from residential, and 6 MW (13.64%) from government sources.

The City of Boulder has 19 municipal solar electric systems with a total installed capacity of over 2 MW. It also utilizes two solar thermal systems to heat public swimming pools.

What are the advantages of going solar in Boulder?

Switching to solar energy can help reduce Boulder’s carbon emissions. If Boulder met its solar capacity of 482,000 MWh per year, carbon emissions would decrease by 294,000 metric tons, the equivalent of taking 62,100 cars off the road for a year. ^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Living in Boulder also puts you in a unique position to take advantage of the city’s specialized solar rebates and grants to reduce your overarching costs.^*Local incentives and rebates vary and are subject to change. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information. Even without these programs, solar can offer significant electricity cost savings. A 5-kW system could pay for itself within a decade and offer upwards of $15,000 in savings over 20 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Boulder, CA. April 2021.

Boulder wants to make it as easy as possible for homeowners to switch to solar energy, too. The city enacted a solar access ordinance that guarantees access to sunlight by limiting the amount of shading that new construction can create.

How much does solar cost in Boulder?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Household’s energy needs

• Roof space

• Weather

• Angle of the roof

• Quality of the solar panels

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020

In Boulder, we found that the cost of buying a 5-kW solar system ranges from $ [cost] to $[cost], or in other words, from $[cost] to $[cost] per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The City of Boulder Solar Grant Program is one option to reduce the costs of installing a new solar system on your property. This grant comes from funds generated by the Solar Rebate Ordinance and offers $1 per installed watt up to 50% of your installation costs capped at $8,000.

On top of this grant, you may also be able to take advantage of the federal Investment Tax Credit.^*Tax credits subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information. This credit could offset your installation costs by 26%.

What’s the best way to go solar in Boulder?

A solar system can be a significant investment. It’s vital to plan your system with care and consult with a professional solar provider before moving forward with your installation. Choosing the wrong system could prevent you from maximizing your home’s solar potential, costing you more money in the long run.

A professional solar installer will offer you a consultation to analyze your property size, roof space, budget, and design needs, then create a custom solar solution that is perfect for your property. They can also answer any of your questions, provide a price quote, and walk you through your potential savings, including any available rebates or incentives.

Ready to get started? Request a consultation today. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.