Solar Rebates and Solar Tax Credits for Colorado

Holy Cross Energy's WE CARE (With Efficiency, Conservation And Renewable Energy) Program offers an incentive for customers who install renewable energy generation for net metering at their premises. Eligible renewable energy technologies include wind, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, biomass, and geothermal sources.

Incentive

The incentive offered varies by the size of the renewable energy system as follows:

• $250 per kW for the first 6 kW of a system, and
  
• $100 per kW for the next 19 kW of a system.

Note: The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) made several significant changes to this tax credit, including expanding the eligible technologies, extending the expiration date, modifying the scheduled step-down in its value, providing for new bonus credits, and establishing new criteria to qualify for the full credit. It also phases out this tax credit under section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code and replaces it with a new technology-neutral tax credit under section 48E of the Internal Revenue Code. The summary below describes the current section 48 tax credit as modified by the Inflation Reduction Act, and below that, the new 48E tax credit.   

The federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has been amended a number of times, most recently and most significantly by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. That bill established new prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for larger system to qualify for the full 30% tax credit. The Department of the Treasury issued Initial Guidance on these requirements on November 30, 2022 . According to law, the labor provisions apply to projects for which construction begins 60 days or more after Treasury publishes its guidance. Given the publishing date of November 30, 2022, the effective date for the labor provisions is January 30, 2023. The credit for different project types and available bonus credits is described below.

Base Credit

Projects under 1 MW (or larger projects that are commenced no more than 60 days after the Treasury Secretary develops labor guidelines) do not need to meet the new labor standards established by the Inflation Reduction to receive the full 30% tax credit. Such projects that begin construction after 2021 and before 2025 can receive the full tax credit of 30%. Note, projects that commence construction on or after January 1, 2025 can receive a tax credits under the new Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (48E) described below. 

Projects over 1 MW that begin construction 60 days after the Treasury Secretary releases labor guidelines (January 29, 2023) and no later than January 1, 2025 will receive a base tax credit of 6%. However, projects can qualify for the full 30% tax credit if they ensure that all laborers and mechanics involved in the construction of the project or the maintenance of the project for 5 years after project completion are paid wages at rates not less than prevailing wages. Projects must also ensure that a percentage of total labor hours are performed by qualified apprentices. The percent of hours increases over time to a maximum requirement of 15% in 2024 and thereafter. Note, projects that commence construction on or after January 1, 2025 can receive a tax credits under the new Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (48E) described below. 

Bonus Credits

Projects in which 100% of any steel or iron that is a component of the facility and 40% of the manufactured products that are components of the facility were produced in the United States can qualify for the Domestic Content Bonus. For projects that are under 1 MW and projects that are larger than 1 MW and meet the labor requirements specified above, the Domestic Content Bonus increases the tax credit by 10 percentage points. For larger projects that do not meet the labor requirements, the Domestic Content Bonus increases the tax credit by 2 percentage points. Note, the 40% requirement for manufactured products increases over time, eventually requiring 55% domestic content for projects commenced after 2026, The IRS issued Notice 2023-38 in May 2023, which provides further guidance on the domestic content bonus.     

Projects that are located within an energy community can receive the Energy Community Bonus. To qualify, a facility must be located at one of the following: (i) a brownfield site, (ii) a metropolitan or non-metropolitan statistical area which (A) has (or, at any time during the period beginning after December 31, 2009, had) 0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas, or (B) has an unemployment rate above the national average for the previous year, or (iii) a census tract or a census tract that is adjoining a census tract in which a coal mine has closed after 1999 or a coal-fired electric generating unit was retired after 2009. For projects that are under 1 MW and projects that are larger than 1 MW and meet the labor requirements specified above, the Energy Community Bonus increases the tax credit by 10 percentage points. For larger projects that do not meet the labor requirements, the Energy Community Bonus increases the tax credit by 2 percentage points. 

The Treasury Department issued Notice 2023- 29 in April 2023, which provides initial guidance on the Energy Community Bonus Credit. The Treasury Department later updated and clarified its guidance in June 2023 with Notice 2023-45. The Treasury Department also issued Notice 2023-47 in June 2023, which includes lists of information that taxpayers may use to determine whether they meet certain requirements under the Statistical Area Category or the Coal Closure Category. The Department of Energy has also released a GIS map showing the locations of qualifying energy communities.  

Solar and wind facilities less than 5 MW may also be eligible for low-income bonuses. A project built in a low-income community as defined by the New Markets Tax Credit or on Indian Land can receive an increased tax credit of 10 percentage points. The Department of Energy has also released a GIS map showing qualifying low-income communities. A project associated with a low-income residential building project or a low-income economic benefit project can receive an increased tax credit of 20 percentage points. These bonuses are capped at 1.6 GW of projects per year.  The IRS issued Notice 2023-17 in February 2023, to allocate the cap across different categories of projects. The IRS also issued final regulations in August to provide further guidance on the iow-income communities bonus credit. Additional information can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy's webpage dedicated to the ow-income communities bonus credit.

Eligible Technologies

• Solar Technologies
• Fuel Cells
• Wind Turbines 
• Geothermal Systems
• Microturbines
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
• Offshore Wind
• Waste Energy Recovery. Qualified waste energy recovery property means property that generates electricity solely from heat from buildings or equipment if the primary purpose of such building or equipment is not the generation of electricity. The term “waste energy recovery property” does not include any property that has a capacity in excess of 50 megawatts.
• Energy Storage Systems, both paired with generation and installed as a stand-alone system
• Thermal Energy Storage Systems
• Qualified Biogas Property
• Microgrid Controllers
• Interconnection Property associated with the installation of energy property with a maximum net output of not greater than 5 MW-AC to provide for the transmission or distribution of the electricity produced or stored by such property, and which are properly chargeable to the capital account of the taxpayer.

Credit Monetization

Section 13801 of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 also established procedures for other parties to monetize certain tax credits, including this one, for equipment placed in service on or after January 1, 2023 and through December 31, 2032. 

The direct pay option allows non-taxable entities to directly monetize certain tax credits. The provisions apply to nonprofits, a state or political subdivision thereof, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Indian tribal governments (as defined in Section 30D(g)(9)), any Alaska Native Corporation (as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), or any corporation operating on a cooperative basis which is engaged in furnishing electric energy to persons in rural areas. Such applicable entities can elect to be treated as having made a tax payment equal to the value of the tax credit they would otherwise be eligible to claim. The entity can then claim a refund for the excess taxes they are deemed to have paid. The option effectively makes this tax credit refundable for these entities. 

The act also allows eligible taxpayers to transfer all or a portion of their eligible tax credits to an unrelated taxpayer. Transfers must be reported to IRS and only one transfer is permitted. Must be elected no later than the due date for tax filing for the tax year the tax credit is claimed.

Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (48E)

Section 13702 of the Inflation Reduction Act created a new tax credit, the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to replace the traditional ITC for systems placed in service on or after January 1, 2025. The tax credit is functionally similar to the ITC, but is not technology-specific. It applies to all generation facilities and energy storage systems that have an anticipated greenhouse gas emissions rate of zero. The credit amount is generally calculated in the same manner as described above, but will be phased out as the U.S. meets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. For a project whose construction is commenced in the year following the year in which greenhouse gas emissions from the production of electricity in the United States are equal to or less than 25% of the 2022 levels, the tax credit will not be reduced. However, for projects commenced in the second year following the target being met, the tax credit will be worth 75% of what it would otherwise be. Projects commenced in the third year will receive a credit worth 50%, and all projects commenced after then will not be eligible for a tax credit. 

According to Section 136 of the U.S. Code, energy conservation subsidies provided (directly or indirectly) to customers by public utilities* are non-taxable. This exclusion does not apply to electricity-generating systems registered as "qualifying facilities" under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). If a taxpayer claims federal tax credits or deductions for the energy conservation property, the investment basis for the purpose of claiming the deduction or tax credit must be reduced by the value of the energy conservation subsidy (i.e., a taxpayer may not claim a tax credit for an expense that the taxpayer ultimately did not pay).

The term "energy conservation measure" includes installations or modifications primarily designed to reduce consumption of electricity or natural gas, or to improve the management of energy demand. Eligible dwelling units include houses, apartments, condominiums, mobile homes, boats and similar properties. If a building or structure contains both dwelling units and other units, any subsidy must be properly allocated.

The definition of "energy conservation measure" implies that utility rebates for residential solar-thermal projects and photovoltaic (PV) systems may be non-taxable. However, the IRS has not ruled definitively on this issue. Taxpayers considering using this provision for a renewable energy system should discuss the details of the project with a tax professional. Other types of utility subsidies that may come in the form of credits or reduced rates might also be non-taxable, according to IRS Publication 525.


* The term "public utility" is defined as an entity "engaged in the sale of electricity or natural gas to residential, commercial, or industrial customers for use by such customers." The term includes federal, state and local government entities.

Note: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased bonus depreciation to 100% for qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023. Bonus depreciation steps down by 20% each year beginning with 80% in 2023..  

Under the federal Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS), businesses may recover investments in certain property through depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types of property, ranging from three to 50 years, over which the property may be depreciated. A number of renewable energy technologies are classified as five-year property (26 USC § 168(e)(3)(B)(vi)) under the MACRS, which refers to 26 USC § 48(a)(3)(A), often known as the energy investment tax credit or ITC to define eligible property. Such property currently includes*:

• a variety of solar-electric and solar-thermal technologies
• fuel cells and microturbines
• geothermal electric
• direct-use geothermal and geothermal heat pumps
• small wind (100 kW or less)
• combined heat and power (CHP)
• the provision which defines ITC technologies as eligible also adds the general term "wind" as an eligible technology, extending the five-year schedule to large wind facilities as well.

In addition, for certain other types of renewable energy property, such as biomass or marine and hydrokinetic property, the MACRS property class life is seven years. Eligible biomass property generally includes assets used in the conversion of biomass to heat or to a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel, and to equipment and structures used to receive, handle, collect and process biomass in a waterwall, combustion system, or refuse-derived fuel system to create hot water, gas, steam and electricity. Marine and hydrokinetic property includes facilities that utilize waves, tides, currents, free-flowing water, or differentials in ocean temperature to generate energy. It does not include traditional hydropower that uses dams, diversionary structures, or impoundments.

The 5-year schedule for most types of solar, geothermal, and wind property has been in place since 1986. The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) classified fuel cells, microturbines and solar hybrid lighting technologies as five-year property as well by adding them to § 48(a)(3)(A). This section was further expanded in October 2008 by the addition of geothermal heat pumps, combined heat and power, and small wind under The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.

Bonus Depreciation

Bonus Depreciation has been sporadically available at different levels during different years. Most recently, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased bonus depreciation to 100% for qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.

Bonus Depreciation History

The 50% first-year bonus depreciation provision enacted in 2008 was extended (retroactively for the entire 2009 tax year) under the same terms by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1), enacted in February 2009. It was renewed again in September 2010 (retroactively for the entire 2010 tax year) by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (H.R. 5297). In December 2010 the provision for bonus depreciation was amended and extended yet again by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4853). Under these amendments, eligible property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before January 1, 2012 was permitted to qualify for 100% first-year bonus depreciation. The December 2010 amendments also permitted bonus depreciation to be claimed for property placed in service during 2012, but reverted the allowable amount from 100% to 50% of the eligible basis. The 50% first-year bonus depreciation allowance was further extended for property placed in service during 2013 by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8, Sec. 331) in January 2013. The Tax Increase Prevention Act Of 2014 (H.R. 5771, Sec. 125), extended  these provisions through to December 31, 2014, and thus retroactively for the 2014 tax year.

For more information on the federal MACRS, see IRS Publication 946, IRS Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization, and Instructions for Form 4562. The IRS web site provides a search mechanism for forms and publications. Enter the relevant form, publication name or number, and click "GO" to receive the requested form or publication. For guidance on bonus depreciation, including information relating to the election to claim either 50% or 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive elections to claim 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service during 2010, and eligible property, please see IRS Rev. Proc. 2011-26.


*Note that the definitions of eligible technologies included in this entry are somewhat simplified versions of those contained in tax code, which often contain additional caveats, restrictions, and modifications. Those interested in this incentive should review the relevant sections of the code in detail prior to making business decisions.

According to Section 136 of the U.S. Code, energy conservation subsidies provided (directly or indirectly) to customers by public utilities* are non-taxable. This exclusion does not apply to electricity-generating systems registered as "qualifying facilities" under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). If a taxpayer claims federal tax credits or deductions for the energy conservation property, the investment basis for the purpose of claiming the deduction or tax credit must be reduced by the value of the energy conservation subsidy (i.e., a taxpayer may not claim a tax credit for an expense that the taxpayer ultimately did not pay).

The term "energy conservation measure" includes installations or modifications primarily designed to reduce consumption of electricity or natural gas, or to improve the management of energy demand. Eligible dwelling units include houses, apartments, condominiums, mobile homes, boats and similar properties. If a building or structure contains both dwelling units and other units, any subsidy must be properly allocated.

The definition of "energy conservation measure" implies that utility rebates for residential solar-thermal projects and photovoltaic (PV) systems may be non-taxable. However, the IRS has not ruled definitively on this issue. Taxpayers considering using this provision for a renewable energy system should discuss the details of the project with a tax professional. Other types of utility subsidies that may come in the form of credits or reduced rates might also be non-taxable, according to IRS Publication 525. 


* The term "public utility" is defined as an entity "engaged in the sale of electricity or natural gas to residential, commercial, or industrial customers for use by such customers." The term includes federal, state and local government entities.

Note: The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) made several significant changes to this tax credit, including extending the expiration date, providing for new bonus credits, and establishing new criteria to qualify for the full credit. It also phases out this tax credit under section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code at the end of 2024 and replaces it with a new technology-neutral tax credit under section 45Y of the Internal Revenue Code. The summary below describes the current section 45 tax credit as modified by the Inflation Reduction Act, and below that, the new 45Y tax credit.   

The federal renewable electricity production tax credit (PTC) is an inflation-adjusted per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax credit for electricity generated by qualified energy resources and sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable year. The duration of the credit is 10 years after the date the facility is placed in service.

Originally enacted in 1992, the PTC has been renewed and expanded numerous times, most recently by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. That bill established new prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for larger system to qualify for the full value of the tax credit -- 2.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for wind, closed-loop biomass, and geothermal energy; 1.3 cents per kWh for open-loop biomass facilities, small irrigation power facilities, landfill gas facilities and trash facilities. In late-2022 or 2023, the Treasury Secretary will issue guidance for these new labor provisions. The credit for different project types and available bonus credits is described below.

Base Credit

Projects under 1 MW (or larger projects that are commenced no more than 60 days after the Treasury Secretary develops labor guidelines) do not need to meet the new labor standards established by the Inflation Reduction to receive the full 1.3 or 2.6 cents/kWh (depending on the facility type) tax credit. This amount may be adjusted annually for inflation. Such projects that begin construction after 2021 and before 2025 can receive the full tax credit. Note, projects that commence construction on or after January 1, 2025 can receive a tax credit under the new Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (45Y) described below. 

Projects over 1 MW that begin construction 60 days after the Treasury Secretary releases labor guidelines and no later than January 1, 2025 will receive a base tax credit of 0.5 cents/kWh. However, projects can qualify for the full tax credit if they ensure that all laborers and mechanics involved in the construction of the project or the maintenance of the project for the entire 10-year PTC period are paid wages at rates not less than prevailing wages. Projects must also ensure that a percentage of total labor hours are performed by qualified apprentices. The percent of hours increases over time to a maximum requirement of 15% in 2024 and thereafter. Note, projects that commence construction on or after January 1, 2025 can receive a tax credit under the new Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (45Y) described below. 

Bonus Credits

The Domestic Content Bonus increases the credit amount by 10% for projects in which 100% of any steel or iron that is a component of the facility and 40% of the manufactured products that are components of the facility were produced in the United States. Note, the required percentage of domestic manufactured products for offshore wind facilities is 20%. The IRS issued Notice 2023-38 in May 2023, which provided guidance on the domestic content bonus.     

The Energy Community Bonus increases the credit amount by 10% for projects that are located at one of the following: (i) a brownfield site, (ii) a metropolitan or non-metropolitan statistical area which (A) has (or, at any time during the period beginning after December 31, 2009, had) 0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas, or (B) has an unemployment rate above the national average for the previous year, or (iii) a census tract or a census tract that is adjoining a census tract in which a coal mine has closed after 1999 or a coal-fired electric generating unit was retired after 2009. 

The Treasury Department issued Notice 2023- 29 in April 2023, which provided initial guidance on the Energy Community Bonus Credit. The Treasury Department later updated and clarified its guidance in June 2023 with Notice 2023-45. The Treasury Department also issued Notice 2023-47 in June 2023, which includes lists of information that taxpayers may use to determine whether they meet certain requirements under the Statistical Area Category or the Coal Closure Category. The Department of Energy has also released a GIS map showing the locations of qualifying energy communities.  

Credit Monetization

Section 13801 of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 also established procedures for other parties to monetize certain tax credits, including this one, for equipment placed in service on or after January 1, 2023 and through December 31, 2032. 

The direct pay option allows non-taxable entities to directly monetize certain tax credits. The provisions apply to nonprofits, a state or political subdivision thereof, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Indian tribal governments (as defined in Section 30D(g)(9)), any Alaska Native Corporation (as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), or any corporation operating on a cooperative basis which is engaged in furnishing electric energy to persons in rural areas. Such applicable entities can elect to be treated as having made a tax payment equal to the value of the tax credit they would otherwise be eligible to claim. The entity can then claim a refund for the excess taxes they are deemed to have paid. The option effectively makes this tax credit refundable for these entities. 

The act also allows eligible taxpayers to transfer all or a portion of their eligible tax credits to an unrelated taxpayer. Transfers must be reported to IRS and only one transfer is permitted. Must be elected no later than the due date for tax filing for the tax year the tax credit is claimed.

Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (45Y)

Section 13701 of the Inflation Reduction Act created a new tax credit, the Clean Energy Production Tax Credit to replace the traditional PTC for systems placed in service on or after January 1, 2025. The tax credit is functionally similar to the PTC, but is not technology-specific. It applies to all generation facilities that have an anticipated greenhouse gas emissions rate of zero. The credit amount is generally calculated in the same manner as described above, and all technologies that satisfy the labor requirements will be eligible for the full value of the tax credit as adjusted for inflation. The credit will be phased out as the U.S. meets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. For a project whose construction is commenced in the year following the year in which greenhouse gas emissions from the production of electricity in the United States are equal to or less than 25% of the 2022 levels, the tax credit will not be reduced. However, for projects commenced in the second year following the target being met, the tax credit will be worth 75% of what it would otherwise be. Projects commenced in the third year will receive a credit worth 50%, and all projects commenced after then will not be eligible for a tax credit. 

Homeowners can take advantage of energy efficient mortgages (EEM) to either finance energy efficiency improvements to existing homes, including renewable energy technologies, or to increase their home buying power with the purchase of a new energy efficient home. The U.S. federal government supports these loans by insuring them through Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. This allows borrowers who might otherwise be denied loans to pursue energy efficiency, and it secures lenders against loan default.

FHA Energy Efficient Mortgages
The FHA allows lenders to add up to 100% of energy efficiency improvements to an existing mortgage loan with certain restrictions. FHA mortgage limits vary by county, state and the number of units in a dwelling. See their website for more details. These mortgages were previously limited to $8,000.The maximum amount of the portion of an energy efficient mortgage allowed for energy improvements is now the lesser of 5% of:

• The value of the property,
• 115% of the median area price of a single-family dwelling, or
• 150% of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit

Loan amounts may not exceed the projected savings of the energy efficiency improvements. These loans may be combined with FHA 203 (h) mortgages available to victims of presidentially-declared disasters and with financing offered through the FHA 203 (k) rehabilitation program. FHA loan limits do not apply to the EEM. Borrowers must obtain a home energy assessment by a qualified energy rater, assessor, or auditor using whole-assessment standards, protocols, and procedures. 

Borrowers may include closing costs and the up-front mortgage insurance premium in the total cost of the loan. The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA’s Section 203 (b), provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for this loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. Homebuyers should submit applications to their local HUD Field Office through an FHA-approved lending institution.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Energy Efficient Mortgages
The VA insures EEMs to be used in conjunction with VA loans either for the purchase of existing homes or for refinancing loans secured by the dwelling. Homebuyers may borrow up to $3,000 if only documentation of improvement costs or contractor bids is submitted, or up to $6,000 if the projected energy savings are greater than the increase in mortgage payments. Loans may exceed this amount at the discretion of the VA. Applicants may not include the cost of their own labor in the total amount. No additional home appraisal is needed, but applicants must submit a HER, contractor bids and certain other documentation. The VA insures 50% of the loan if taken by itself, but it may insure less if the total value of the mortgage exceeds a certain amount.

This mortgage is available to qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans. Applicants should secure a certificate of eligibility from their local lending office and submit it to a VA-approved private lender. If the loan is approved, the VA guarantees the loan when it is closed.

Conventional EEMs
Conventional mortgages are not backed by a federal agency. Private lenders sell loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which in turn allows homebuyers to borrow up to 15% of an existing home’s appraised value for improvements documented by a HER.

Fannie Mae also lends up to 5% for Energy Star new homes. Fannie Mae EEMs are available to single-family, owner-occupied units, and Fannie Mae provides EEMs to those whose income might otherwise disqualify them from receiving the loans by allowing approved lenders to adjust borrowers’ debt-to-income ratio by 2%. The value of the improvements is immediately added to the total appraised value of the home.

Freddie Mac offers GreenChOICE mortgages to "provide greater affordability for borrowers, offer more flexibility and combine the flexibilities of Home Possible Mortgages to offer borrowers additional affordable financing opportunities." Borrowers should apply directly to the lender. Click here for more details.

ENERGY STAR Partnership for Lenders
To promote EEMs and lenders who offer them, the federal ENERGY STAR program offers a partnership program for lenders who provide EEMs to borrowers. Becoming a partner allows lenders to utilize the Energy Star brand to promote themselves as Energy Star partners offering EEMs. To become a lender, partner lenders must first provide proof that they know how to write EEMs. To maintain their partnership benefits, lenders must write a certain number of EEMs per year. Energy Star does not have a lender certification program or process. Click here for more information about ENERGY STAR's lender partnership program, and here to access the partner locator tool. ENERGY STAR requires that its lender partners provide EEMs to qualified borrowers regardless of whether it is an FHA EEM, Fannie Mae EEM, or VA EEM.

Energy Smart Colorado is the first rural multi-jurisdictional consortium in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive residential energy efficiency program.

Residents of Roaring Fork Valley and Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, and Summit Counties are eligible for energy efficiency and renewable energy assistance, rebates, and financing through the Energy Smart Colorado program. The program helps homeowners identify, finance, and complete energy improvements in their homes.

Each participating county operates an Energy Resource Center (ERC), providing homeowners and contractors with a local, reliable one-stop-shop for information and service. Each ERC is staffed with a Building Performance Institute certified Home Energy Advisor who provides expert advice, coaching, and assistance with enrollments, home energy assessments, and improvement projects.

Energy Smart in the Roaring Fork Valley

The Energy Smart program serves the Roaring Fork Valley through the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE), a nonprofit organization promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in western Colorado. The Roaring Fork Valley Energy Smart program is funded through the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP), which has raised over 12 million dollars since its inception in 2000. (Energy Smart Colorado serves Garfield County through the Clean Energy Economy for the Region.)

Home Energy Assessment

Interested homeowners can schedule a reduced-cost home energy assessment with a qualified Energy Smart Analyst who will come to the home and perform a comprehensive home safety and energy assessment. There are a variety of free improvements the Energy Smart Analyst may install at the time of the assessment including a programmable thermostat, efficient lighting, hot and cold water pipe insulation, a hot water tank insulation blanket, and door weather-stripping.

Rebates

In addition to the Home Energy Assessment, the homeowner may also be eligible to receive an Energy Smart rebate. Energy Smart provides direct rebates for energy improvement projects and also maintains up-to-date information on other financial incentives from utilities, state and local governments, and federal tax credits. For information on rebates for energy efficiency measures, click here. 

Financing

For information on the Loan Program, click here. 

Note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development issues periodic Notices of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in the Federal Register. The FY 2018 solicitation for the REAP program includes a total budget of approximately $800 million. 

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities, use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption, and participate in energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

Renewable energy projects for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program include wind, solar, biomass and geothermal, and hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar, or geothermal energy sources. These grants are limited to 25% of a proposed project's cost, and a loan guarantee may not exceed $25 million. The combined amount of a grant and loan guarantee must be at least $5,000 (with the grant portion at least $1,500) and may not exceed 75% of the project’s cost. In general, a minimum of 20% of the funds available for these incentives will be dedicated to grants of $20,000 or less. For more information on grant, loan guarantees, loan financing, and opportunities for combinations thereof, visit the USDA website. 

Application due dates are published annually in the Notice of Funding Availability. 

Eligibility

Grants and Guaranteed Loans are generally available to small businesses and agricultural producers and other entities as determined by USDA. To be eligible for REAP grants and guaranteed loans, applicants must demonstrate sufficient revenue to cover any operations and maintenance expense as well as any applicable debt service of the project for the duration of the guaranteed loan or grant. Rural small businesses must be located in rural areas, but agricultural producers may be located in non-rural areas.

Eligible project costs include purchasing energy efficiency improvements or a renewable energy system, energy audits or assessments, permitting and licensing fees, and business plans and retrofitting. For new construction the replacement of older equipment with more efficient equipment may be eligible as a project cost only when a new facility is planned to be more efficient and similarly sized than the older facility. Working capital and land acquisition are only eligible for loan guarantees.

For more information regarding applicant and project eligibility for loans and grants, visit the USDA REAP eligibility webpage, read the eligibility requirements in the most recent Solicitation of Applications for REAP funding in the Federal Registry, and/or contact your state rural energy coordinator.

Regional rural energy coordinators provide loan and grant applications upon request.

History

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (H.R. 2419), enacted by Congress in May 2008, converted the federal Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program,* into the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Similar to its predecessor, the REAP promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the use of (1) grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems, and (2) grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. Congress has allocated funding for the new program in the following amounts: $55 million for FY 2009, $60 million for FY 2010, $70 million for FY 2011, and $70 million for FY 2012. REAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition to these mandatory funding levels, up to $25 million in discretionary funding may be issued each year. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) extended discretionary funding for FY 2013. The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorized the USDA to offer these programs and removed the mandate to offer grants for feasibility studies.

* The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program was created by the USDA pursuant to Section 9006 of the 2002 federal Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Funding in the amount of $23 million per year was appropriated for each fiscal year from FY 2003-2007. In March 2008, the USDA announced that it would accept $220.9 million in applications for grants, loan guarantees, and loan/grant combination packages under the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. The application deadline was June 16, 2008.

Land grant colleges and universities are referred to in the summary table as "schools" and "institutional" eligible sectors. K-12 schools are not eligible for this grant.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic growth, and employment on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The program provides financial assistance, technical assistance, and education and training to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency measures.

DOE's program offerings consist of program management through DOE headquarters, program implementation and project management through DOE's field offices, and technical support through DOE laboratories. Program management is carried out by DOE's Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, which provides programmatic direction and funding to DOE field offices for program implementation. DOE's Golden Field Office solicits, awards, administers, and manages financial assistance agreements.

Program funding is awarded through a competitive process. Click here to view current program funding opportunities, and here to apply for technical assistance.

Note: Section 13302 of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) extended the expiration date and modified the phase down of this tax credit. It also made stand-alone energy storage systems eligible for the credit, and biomass heaters ineligible for the credit. Biomass heaters are now eligible for the residential energy efficiency tax credit. The summary below reflects the credit after the enactment of H.R. 5376.

A taxpayer may claim a credit for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States that is owned and used as a residence by the taxpayer. Expenditures with respect to the equipment are treated as made when the installation is completed. If the installation is at a new home, the "placed in service" date is the date of occupancy by the homeowner. Expenditures include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home. If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year. The maximum allowable credit, equipment requirements and other details vary by technology, as outlined below.

Solar-electric property

• 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2022
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
• Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2034.
• The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Solar water-heating property

• 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2022
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
• Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2034.
• Equipment must be certified for performance by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the property is installed.
• At least half the energy used to heat the dwelling's water must be from solar in order for the solar water-heating property expenditures to be eligible.
• The tax credit does not apply to solar water-heating property for swimming pools or hot tubs.
• The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Fuel cell property

• 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2022
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2034.
• The maximum credit is $500 per half kilowatt (kW).
• The fuel cell must have a nameplate capacity of at least 0.5 kW of electricity using an electrochemical process and an electricity-only generation efficiency greater than 30%.
• In case of joint occupancy, the maximum qualifying costs that can be taken into account by all occupants for figuring the credit is $1,667 per 0.5 kW. This does not apply to married individuals filing a joint return. The credit that may be claimed by each individual is proportional to the costs he or she paid.
• The home served by the system must be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Small wind-energy property

• 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2022
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
• Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2034.
• The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Geothermal heat pumps

• 30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2022
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
• Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2034.
• The geothermal heat pump must meet federal Energy Star criteria.
• The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence

Battery Storage Systems (Standalone Systems)

• 0% for systems placed in service before 1/1/2023
• 30% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2022 and before 01/01/2033
• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2032 and before 01/01/2034
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2033 and before 01/01/2035
• The system must have a capacity of at least 3 kilowatt hours
• The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

Significantly, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 repealed a previous limitation on the use of the credit for eligible projects also supported by "subsidized energy financing." For projects placed in service after December 31, 2008, this limitation no longer applies.

Energy Storage

Prior to the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the federal tax code did not explicitly reference energy storage, so stand-alone energy storage systems did not qualify for the tax credit.  However, the IRS issued Private Letter Rulings in 2013 and 2018, which address energy storage paired with PV systems. In both cases, the IRS ruled that the energy storage equipment when paired with PV met the statutory definition of a "qualified solar electric property expenditure," as was eligible for the tax credit. It is important to note that Private Letter Rulings only apply to the taxpayer who requested it, and do not establish precedent. Any taxpayer considering the purchase of an energy storage system should consult their accountant or other tax professional before claiming a tax credit.  

History

Established by The Energy Policy Act of 2005, the federal tax credit for residential energy property initially applied to solar-electric systems, solar water heating systems and fuel cells. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 extended the tax credit to small wind-energy systems and geothermal heat pumps, effective January 1, 2008. Other key revisions included an eight-year extension of the credit to December 31, 2016; the ability to take the credit against the alternative minimum tax; and the removal of the $2,000 credit limit for solar-electric systems beginning in 2009. The credit was further enhanced in February 2009 by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which removed the maximum credit amount for all eligible technologies (except fuel cells) placed in service after 2008.

Fort Collins Utilities offers its residential customers low-interest loans that may be used to finance up to 100% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at existing homes. This loan program offers no-money-down financing for up to 15 years. See the program website for more information, or see contacts below.

The Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Business Energy and Water Efficiency Rebate Program offers a variety of incentives to business customers for energy and water efficiency measures. Full efficiency and equipment guidelines are on the program website. Some rebates vary by the size, capacity or efficiency of purchased equipment. To receive a rebate, complete the application form with all necessary information.  Contact CSU or visit the program website listed above for other information.

Black Hills Energy has a performance-based incentive (PBI) for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. In exchange for a PBI, Black Hills Energy earns the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the PV-generated electricity for a period of time.

All incentive payments are subject to the availability of funds and a pre-installation site inspection. Black Hills Energy has established participation caps for each tier. The status of funding availability for each tier is available on the website above. PV installations are subject to on-site supervision by a NABCEP-certified professional to maintain a 3:1 ratio for the installation crew (one certified installer for every three solar installers). See the program web site for complete details. 

Locally Assessed Renewable Energy Property

Solar photovoltaic (PV), including agrivoltaics and floatovoltaics, and wind energy facilities with a capacity of 2 megawatts (MW) AC or less are assessed locally for property taxes. Additionally, low impact hydro, geothermal, and biomass facilities with a capacity of 2 MW or less and which were placed in service prior to January 1, 2010, are also assessed locally for property taxes. In assigning value to renewable energy property, local assessors are required to use the cost approach outlined in the Assessors' Reference Library. Assessors must also examine the sales comparison and income approaches, both described in the Assessor's Reference Library. 

State Assessed Renewable Energy Property

Renewable energy systems with a capacity greater than 2 MW are assessed for property taxes by the State Assessed Properties Section of the Division of Property Taxation. Additionally, small or low impact hydro, geothermal, and biomass facilities of any size which were placed in service on or after January 1, 2010, are assessed by the state for property taxes. These facilities are valued as though their actual value for property taxation is that of a non-renewable energy facility, including all direct and indirect costs. The incremental value of the renewable energy facilities above the non-renewable facilities is disregarded. 

The Division of Property Taxation is responsible for determining the nonrenewable comparison value each year. Starting in 2014, state assessed properties use a five-year rolling average of the most recent rates. This valuation methodology applies to renewable energy that is connected to the grid through an interconnection meter. It does not apply to off-grid customer-sited resources.

For 2015, if the renewable energy facility was already in service before January 1, 2012, then only the generation cost of capital threshold rate is applied. For any new facility placed in service on or after this date, the additional delivery capital cost threshold rate will be included. A template spreadsheet is available at the above website that can be used to estimate property taxes for renewable energy property.

Generation Cost of Capital Threshold Rate

For the 2020 assessment year, the following capital cost threshold rates are to be applied for generation, based on the nameplate capacity of the facility:

• 0-2 MW: $1,267 per KW
• 2.001-5 MW: $1,146 per KW
• 5.001-10 MW: $1,001 per KW
• 10.001-50 MW: $645 per KW
• 50.001-100 MW: $518 per KW
• >100.001: $334 per KW

Delivery Cost of Capital Threshold Rate

For renewable energy facilities going into service on or after January 1, 2012, there is an additional valuation component to be considered for associated transmission lines. The typical non-renewable delivery threshold is $54,000.

Colorado enacted SB07-145 in April 2007, authorizing 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. 

Local governments can enact incentive payments or property tax rebates under certain circumstances related to economic development. A county, municipality, or special district can enter into negotiations for an incentive payment with owners of new business facilities. A county, municipality, or special district may also negotiate an incentive payment or credit with owners of existing business facilities, located in their jurisdiction, based on verifiable documentation demonstrating that there is a substantial risk that the owner of the existing business facility will relocate it out of state. The incentives cannot exceed 100 percent of the personal property taxes paid to the county, municipality, or special district. For agreements made prior to August 6, 2014, the agreement cannot last more than ten years. For agreements made after August 6, 2014, the agreement may not last longer than thirty-five years, §§ 30-11-123, 31-15-903, and 32-1-1702, C.R.S.

Other local renewable energy incentives may exist. Contact your local county or municipality for more information.

Websites for many Colorado cities can be found at the Colorado Municipal League website, www.cml.org.

Websites for Colorado counties can be found at the Colorado Counties, Inc. website, www.ccionline.org.

Note: See the supplemental Sales & Use Tax Topics: Renewable Energy Components Form for more information.

Colorado enacted S.B. 07-145 in April 2007, authorizing 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 incentive is administered at the local level by individual cities and counties. Individuals should contact the city and county where their property is located to find out if a tax rebate or credit will be established in their community.

Websites for many Colorado cities are available on the Colorado Municipal League website, www.cml.org.

Websites for Colorado counties are available on the Colorado Counties, Inc. website, www.ccionline.org.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities, use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption, and participate in energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

Renewable energy projects for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program include wind, solar, biomass and geothermal, and hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar, or geothermal energy sources. These grants are limited to 25% of a proposed project's cost, and a loan guarantee may not exceed $25 million. The combined amount of a grant and loan guarantee must be at least $5,000 (with the grant portion at least $1,500) and may not exceed 75% of the project’s cost. In general, a minimum of 20% of the funds available for these incentives will be dedicated to grants of $20,000 or less. For more information on grant, loan guarantees, loan financing, and opportunities for combinations thereof, visit the USDA website.

Application due dates are published annually in the Notice of Funding Availability.

Eligibility

Grants and Guaranteed Loans are generally available to small businesses and agricultural producers and other entities as determined by USDA. To be eligible for REAP grants and guaranteed loans, applicants must demonstrate sufficient revenue to cover any operations and maintenance expense as well as any applicable debt service of the project for the duration of the guaranteed loan or grant. Rural small businesses must be located in rural areas, but agricultural producers may be located in non-rural areas.

Eligible project costs include purchasing energy efficiency improvements or a renewable energy system, energy audits or assessments, permitting and licensing fees, and business plans and retrofitting. For new construction the replacement of older equipment with more efficient equipment may be eligible as a project cost only when a new facility is planned to be more efficient and similarly sized than the older facility. Working capital and land acquisition are only eligible for loan guarantees.

For more information regarding applicant and project eligibility for loans and grants, visit the USDA REAP eligibility webpage, read the eligibility requirements in the most recent Solicitation of Applications for REAP funding in the Federal Registry, and/or contact your state rural energy coordinator.

Regional rural energy coordinators provide loan and grant applications upon request.

History

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (H.R. 2419), enacted by Congress in May 2008, converted the federal Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program,* into the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Similar to its predecessor, the REAP promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the use of (1) grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems, and (2) grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. Congress has allocated funding for the new program in the following amounts: $55 million for FY 2009, $60 million for FY 2010, $70 million for FY 2011, and $70 million for FY 2012. REAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition to these mandatory funding levels, up to $25 million in discretionary funding may be issued each year. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) extended discretionary funding for FY 2013. The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorized the USDA to offer these programs and removed the mandate to offer grants for feasibility studies.

* The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program was created by the USDA pursuant to Section 9006 of the 2002 federal Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Funding in the amount of $23 million per year was appropriated for each fiscal year from FY 2003-2007. In March 2008, the USDA announced that it would accept $220.9 million in applications for grants, loan guarantees, and loan/grant combination packages under the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. The application deadline was June 16, 2008.

Land grant colleges and universities are referred to in the summary as "schools" and "institutional" eligible sectors. K-12 schools are not eligible for this grant.

The Solar Grant Program provides grants for PV and solar water heating installations on income-qualified homes, site-based non-profit organizations, and low- to moderate-income housing owned and/or developed by a non-profit organization. Individual grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis but generally will not exceed 50%, or $8,000, of the total out-of-pocket costs for the project after all rebates, tax credits, and other incentives are subtracted. There are two grant cycles each year. Submissions are due by April 30 and October 31. Additional information and grant applications can be found on the website listed above.

The Solar Grant Program is funded out of sales and use taxes paid on solar projects in the City of Boulder. A portion of those taxes is rebated under the Solar Sales and Use Tax Rebate program.

Colorado exempts from the state's sales and use tax all sales, storage, and use of components used in the production of alternating current electricity from a renewable energy source for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2006. The exemption for systems which produce electricity from a renewable resource includes, but is not limited to, photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar thermal-electric systems, small wind systems, biomass systems, or geothermal systems.

Effective July 1, 2009, through July 1, 2017, all sales, storage, and use of components used in solar thermal systems are exempt from the state's sales and use tax.  Effective May 5, 2014, through July 1, 2019, all sales, storage, and use of components used in biogas production systems are exempt from the state's sales and use tax (see H.B. 1159).

System Components Exempt from Taxation

Eligible components include, but are not limited to, wind turbine generators, rotors and blades, solar modules, trackers, supporting structures or racks, inverters, towers and foundations, plus balance of system components such as wiring, control systems, switchgears, and generator step-up transformers. Also exempt are concentrating solar power components that include, but are not limited to: mirrors, plumbing, and heat exchangers.

Ineligible components include any components beyond the step-up transformers located at the production site, labor, energy storage devices, or remote monitoring systems. 

The exemption only applies to state sales and use taxes – not to sales and use taxes assessed by incorporated towns, cities, and counties. However, Colorado has granted local jurisdictions the authority to exempt renewable energy equipment from sales and use taxes if a local government chooses to do so.

In 2006, the City of Boulder established a solar sales and use tax rebate for photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating installations. Solar system owners may receive a rebate (essentially a tax refund) drawn from the unrestricted tax revenues collected from solar energy sales.

Out of the sales and use taxes paid to the City of Boulder for solar projects, approximately 55% of revenues go to restricted funds. Within one year of the city’s final inspection, solar project owners can apply to receive a refund of 35% from the amount paid to unrestricted (general) funds, making the value of the refund about 15% of the city sales and use tax paid. The average rebate is approximately $140 for a 4.5 kW photovoltaic system.

The remaining 65% of the unrestricted revenues are used to fund the Solar Grant Program. The Solar Grant Program funds solar energy systems for local nonprofit organizations and income-qualified homeowners.

An application for Boulder's Solar Energy Sales and Use Tax Rebate is available here, and an immigration form must be completed and returned with all applications to comply with House Bill 06S-1023.

Grant Criteria can be found here.

Property Tax Exemption

Renewable energy personal property that is located on a residential classified property, owned by the residential property owner, and produces energy that is used by the residential property is exempt from Colorado property taxation.

Independently owned residential solar electric generation facilities that meet the criteria listed in § 39-1-102 (6.8), C.R.S. are exempt from Colorado property taxation under § 39-3-102, C.R.S. To qualify for the exemption the solar electric generation facility must be located on residential real property, used to produce electricity from solar energy primarily for use in the residential improvements, and have a production capacity of no more than one hundred 100 kilowatts of AC electricity. Energy storage systems connected to the generation system are included as part of the facility.

Eligible Technologies

Most locally assessed renewable energy property meet the criteria to be classified as personal property under § 39-1-102 (11), C.R.S. 

For Colorado property taxation purposes, solar energy facilities (e.g., PV panels, community solar gardens) property used to produce 2 megawatts (MW) or less of AC electricity and wind energy facilities property used to produce 2 MW or less of AC electricity are locally assessed. In addition, locally assessed renewable energy property includes small or low impact hydroelectric facilities, geothermal energy facilities, and biomass energy facilities as defined in § 39-4-101, C.R.S., used to produce 2 MW or less of AC electricity and placed into use prior to January 1, 2010. Community solar gardens are classified as locally assessed properties. Energy storage systems connected to the generation system are included as a part of the facility for valuation purposes.

Ineligible Technologies

Renewable energy property in Colorado is taxable unless specifically exempt by the Colorado Constitution.

All renewable energy systems with greater than 2 MW of AC electricity generation capacity are valued as public utility property by the State Assessed Properties Section of the Division of Property Taxation (Division). Small or low impact hydroelectric facilities, geothermal energy facilities, and biomass energy facilities, as defined in 39-4-101, C.R.S., that are put into use on or after January 1, 2010 and not primarily designed to supply electricity for consumption on site are state assessed regardless of AC generation capacity.

San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) is providing rebates to its residential and commercial customers for installing photovoltaic (PV), small wind, and small hydroelectric systems, as well as other renewable energy systems on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must own the system to qualify for the rebate. Systems leased from a third party are ineligible. 

See website above for more information.

NOTE: The most recent solicitation for this program closed July 6, 2021. Please check the program website for information on future solicitations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers an ongoing grant program for the improvement of energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities in rural communities. This program began in 2000. Eligibility is limited to projects in communities that have average home energy costs at least 275% above the national average. Retail power suppliers serving rural areas are eligible to apply for grant funding, including non-profits (cooperatives and limited dividend or mutual associations), commercial entities, state and local governments entities, and tribal governments. Under the most recent solicitation for projects, a total of $7 million was available for qualifying projects. Under this solicitation grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million were available for a variety of activities, including:

• Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities;
• Natural gas or petroleum storage or distribution facilities;
• Renewable energy facilities used for on-grid or off-grid electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power;
• Backup up or emergency power generation or energy storage equipment; and
• Weatherization of residential and community property, or other energy efficiency or conservation programs.

This grant program is not limited to renewable energy or energy conservation and efficiency measures, but these measures are eligible for this grant program.

EnergySmart for Boulder County helps residents identify, finance, and schedule energy improvements in their homes. This “One Stop Shop” aims to reduce the hassles and hurdles associated with improving a home’s energy efficiency by providing an energy advisor to each participant at no cost. The advisor serves as a guide and advocate by scheduling a home energy assessment, installing free energy conservation materials, identifying and applying for all applicable incentives, and coordinating work through an approved list of contractors. 

Homeowners can receive rebates through EnergySmart on selected efficiency improvements. EnergySmart rebates can be combined with local utility rebates. Multi-Family Units of five or more are not eligible. 

The City of Aspen encourages interested residents and businesses to increase the energy efficiency of homes and offices through rebates and incentives for single-family, multi-family, and commercial buildings. Rebates are available for heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, air sealing, insulation, heat pump water heaters, lighting, refrigerators, clothes dryers, and induction stoves. Custom rebates are available for incentives not specifically offered by the utility, but require pre-approval. The program also provides bonus rebates for certain eligible groups. More information on 2023 rebates can be found here.

For details on available rebates, check here

Energy Smart Colorado is the first rural multi-jurisdictional consortium in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive residential energy efficiency program.

Residents of Boulder, Eagle, Gunnison, Lake, Pueblo and surrounding counties, Roaring Fork Valley, Southwest Colorado, Summit, Park, Yampa Valley, Routt, and Moffat counties are eligible for energy efficiency and renewable energy assistance, rebates, and financing through the Energy Smart Colorado program. The program helps homeowners identify, finance, and complete energy improvements in their homes.

In addition to this, the program also offers utility efficiency rebates of varying sizes for customers of City of Aspen Electric, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Empire Electric, City of Gunnison Electric, Gunnison County Electric, Holy Cross Energy, La Plata Electric, Mountain Parks Electric, San Isabel Electric, San Miguel Power, SDCEA, XCEL Energy, and Yampa Valley Energy.

Each participating county operates an Energy Resource Center (ERC), providing homeowners and contractors with a local, reliable one-stop-shop for information and service. Each ERC is staffed with a Building Performance Institute certified Home Energy Advisor who provides expert advice, coaching, and assistance with enrollments, home energy assessments, and improvement projects.

Home Energy Assessment

Interested homeowners can schedule a reduced-cost home energy assessment with a qualified Energy Smart Analyst who will come to the home and perform a comprehensive home safety and energy assessment. There are a variety of free improvements the Energy Smart Analyst may install at the time of the assessment including a programmable thermostat, efficient lighting, hot and cold water pipe insulation, a hot water tank insulation blanket, and door weather-stripping.

Rebates

Loans

For information on the Loan Program, click here. 

• Must be an Xcel Energy residential or business electricity customer.
• Must have an active and valid account number and premise number.
• The customer's name on the application must match the name on the Xcel Energy account/bill.
• All equipment must be UL 1741 certified and listed within the Solar Equipment Lists on the California Energy Commission website opens in a new window.
• Must provide general liability insurance for each occurrence based on the Gross AC Nameplate Rating of the Generation System greater than 1 MW AC.

See the above website for information on program application.

The Elevations Energy Loan can be used to finance a wide variety of efficiency and renewable energy projects in homes and businesses. Homes and businesses located in Boulder County or the City and County of Denver are eligible for the low-cost financing. Loan applicants receive assistance from an Energy Advisor through EnergySmart and Denver Energy Challenge, respectively. Homeowners must select from a qualified pool of contractors. All borrowers will be required to pay a $25 processing fee and become members of Elevations Credit Union.

Elevations Credit Union has partnered with Boulder County and the City/County of Denver to offer this full-suite of services. Both EnergySmart and the Denver Energy Challenge help residents and businesses identify, finance, and schedule energy improvements in their homes by providing an energy advisor to each participant. The advisor can assist with scheduling an energy assessment, reviewing contractor bids, and identifying and applying for all applicable incentives.

Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary depending on each individual's credit history and underwriting factors. Residents and businesses in Boulder County can contact EnergySmart at http://www.EnergySmartYES.com or 303-441-1300 (for businesses) and 303-544-1000 (for homes) for more information. Residents and businesses in the City and County of Denver can contact the Denver Energy Challenge at http://www.denverenergy.org or 720-865-5520 for more information. This video also provides additional information. 

The Elevations Energy Loan can be used to finance a wide variety of efficiency and renewable energy projects in homes and businesses. Homes and businesses located in Boulder County or the City and County of Denver are eligible for the low-cost financing. Loan applicants receive assistance from an Energy Advisor through EnergySmart and Denver Energy Challenge, respectively. Homeowners must select from a qualified pool of contractors. All borrowers will be required to pay a $25 processing fee and become members of Elevations Credit Union.

Elevations Credit Union has partnered with Boulder County and the City/County of Denver to offer this full-suite of services. Both EnergySmart and the Denver Energy Challenge help residents and businesses identify, finance, and schedule energy improvements in their homes. The “One Stop Shop” provides an energy advisor to each participant. The advisor can assist with scheduling an energy assessment, reviewing contractor bids, and identifying and applying for all applicable incentives.

Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary depending on each individual's credit history and underwriting factors. Residents and businesses in Boulder County can contact EnergySmart at http://www.EnergySmartYES.com or 303-441-1300 (for businesses) and 303-544-1000 (for homes) for more information. Residents and businesses in the City and County of Denver can contact the Denver Energy Challenge at http://www.denverenergy.org or 720-865-5520 for more information. This video also provides additional information. 

• Low, fixed interest rates starting at 2.74%
• No money down; finance up to 100% of project cost
• Loan terms up to 15 years (or 20 years for solar PV)
• Loans up to $75,000
• No prepayment penalties
  

• Solar PV & solar thermal
• Space heating & cooling
• Battery storage
• EV charging
• Insulation & air sealing
• Water heating
• Windows & doors
• Check here for a full list of eligible improvements
  

The Green Colorado Credit Reserve (GCCR) is a loan loss reserve that was created by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to incentivize private lenders throughout Colorado to make small commercial loans up to $100,000 for capital improvements that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The GCCR is administered by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) on behalf of the CEO.

How the Loan Loss Reserve Works

For each loan made by a participating lender, the GCCR will provide a loan loss reserve equal to 15% of the amount of the loan. For example, if a participating lender makes a loan for $100,000, the lender will have $15,000 available to cover any losses in case of loan default.

According to the CEO, A 15% loan loss reserve increases lenders’ risk thresholds, enabling them to offer lower interest rates for loans that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Furthermore, the loan loss reserve encourages banks to close multiple loans because the reserve aggregates as the lender makes more loans. For example, if a lender makes ten loans for $100,000, the lender will have aggregated $150,000 for any possible loan losses.

Contact the CEO Director of Finance & Operations for more information.

Xcel Energy connects residential customers with third-party lender Elevations Credit Union to provide qualifying residential customers with access to loan products for home energy efficiency improvements. Loans for qualifying home energy efficiency projects can be combined with rebates to make projects even more affordable (loans are also available for non-rebated measures).

Elevations Energy Loans: In Boulder County, homeowners have access to low interest loans for energy improvements through the Energy Smart program. Further programs are offered throughout the State of Colorado through the RENU program, sponsored by the Colorado Clean Energy Fund.

Visit the program website for more information.

NOTE: Only multifamily properties are eligible for the program. Single family homeowners are not eligible for this program. 

The Fannie Mae Green Financing Business provides mortgage financing to apartment buildings and cooperatives (with 5 or more units) to finance energy and water efficiency property improvements. Its green financing programs include Green Rewards, and preferential pricing for loans secured by a property with an eligible Green Building Certification. All Fannie Mae green loans are securitized as Green Mortgage Backed Securities (Green MBS). To learn more about these programs, multifamily property owners should coordinate with a Fannie Mae DUS Lender:  https://multifamily.fanniemae.com/about-multifamily/our-partners/dus-lenders

Green Rewards, launched in 2015, provides preferential pricing and up to an additional 5% of loan proceeds by including up to 75% of projected owner energy and water savings and 25% of projected tenant savings in the loan underwriting. Conventional and affordable multifamily properties, as well as cooperatives, seniors, military, and student housing properties are eligible for this program. To qualify for a Green Rewards loan the property owner must commit to making property improvements that are projected to reduce the whole property’s annual energy and water consumption by at least 30%, which a minimum of 15% must be attributable to savings in energy consumption. Properties may be located anywhere in US, and the selected property upgrades must be completed within 12 months of loan closing.

Fannie Mae also provides preferential pricing for an acquisition or refinance loan on a conventional or affordable property that has a current, eligible Green Building Certification per Fannie Mae Form 4250.

Please visit the Fannie Mae Green Financing website for more information and detailed program requirements.

In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activities subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing and a comprehensive list of all PACE programs across the country.

Colorado has created a statewide PACE program that allows property owners to finance 100% of the up-front costs of an energy efficiency, renewable energy, or water conservation improvement. Property owners repay the financing as a special assessment on their property tax bill over the financing term, up to 20 years. Typically, the annual energy savings exceed annual assessments, making PACE projects cash flow positive from the first year. C-PACE funding is available to commercial, industrial, agricultural, non-profit and multifamily properties. New construction may use PACE financing for up to 20% of the total construction costs when designing and building energy efficiency measures beyond what is required by the existing code. 

C-PACE is administered by Sustainable Real Estate Solutions SRS on behalf of the state New Energy Improvement District (NEID), which was authorized by HB 10-1328 (and amended by SB 13-1212 and SB 16-171). NEID by statute is governed by a Board of Directors that includes representatives from the Colorado Energy Office, real estate development, banking, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and public utilities. Counties must opt in to the program through a participation agreement with the NEID in order to make C-PACE financing available to properties located within the county. Counties are responsible for collecting assessment payments and remitting those payments to NEID in order to distribute repayments to the original capital provider. To cover the costs of these services, counties may leverage a 1% servicing fee, usually included in the total financed amount and repaid over the course of the financing. This link provides a list of all participating Colorado counties.

Financing is provided by private capital providers who meet the program’s criteria. Projects may select their capital provider before applying to the program, or may apply without pre-arranged funding and use a pool of eligible capital providers to find the best-fit financing. 

PACE liens, as special assessments, are senior to mortgages and other commercial liens. Therefore, property owners must receive the consent of all mortgage holders on the property to participate in the program. Qualification for C-PACE financing is based on the property’s market value, the dollar value of the energy improvement, the property owner’s equity in the property, and the owner’s a mortgage and property tax payment history. The amount of allowable financing is based on the property’s financial statements, including the loan to value percentage, and other considerations of the mortgage holder. The repayment period is limited by the effective useful life of improvements. Interest rates vary but are fixed and typically low compared to alternative sources of financing. There is a one-time fee equal to 2.25% of the project finance amount (not to exceed $50,000 per project, with a minimum fee of $5,000 per project) will be assigned to each C-PACE project.

Colorado C-PACE projects typically range from $200,000 to over $1.0 million. There are no C-PACE program-defined minimum or maximum project financing size limitations.  Rather each participating capital provider is expected to set their own financing parameters.

C-PACE provides support to contractors through building selection, project scoping, proposal preparation, technical review, financing, construction, and commissioning. Attendance of a contractor training workshop is required to be registered with the C-PACE program.

See the program website for more details, including a complete program guide, application forms, and information tailored to contractors, property owners, mortgage holders, counties, and capital providers. 

History of PACE in Colorado

The C-PACE program operates under the statutory authority of CRS 32-20-101 et seq. HB 10-1378 established the NEID, and SB 13-212 made further amendments to establish the C-PACE program with the ability to utilize third-party financing to fund energy improvements. Colorado originally passed PACE enabling legislation in 2008 with HB 08-1350, though the more recent legislation supersedes this original statute.

As of 6/1/22, the RENU Loan Program has effectively migrated to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund. Please direct all RENU inquiries to [email protected]. You can find updated RENU resources & information by visiting www.cocleanenergyfund.com/renu

The Colorado Clean Energy Fund provides loans for home energy upgrades through the Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program. Participants must work with a RENU-approved contractor to identify energy improvements and receive a cost estimate. Customers must then apply for the loan through Elevations Credit Union.  See website above for more information.

Who is Eligible for RENU?

Property owners of existing, single-family homes in Colorado including primary, secondary or income properties, as well as townhomes and condos that don’t have shared heating or cooling systems.

Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) provides free expert advisor services and financial incentives* to help businesses measure their energy, waste, water, and transportation achievements. PACE Partners are businesses committed to supporting a strong economy, implementing environmentally sustainable practices, and demonstrating leadership in our community.

Whether you are a business, a property owner or manager, or a contractor, PACE can help you advance your environmental performance goals.

For businesses: expert business sustainability advisors provide support in using energy and water more efficiently, reducing waste, and finding better transportation options for employees.

For property owners or managers: advisors assist in better supporting tenants and their workspace needs.

For contractors: advisors assist with promoting more efficient technologies

*Incentive amounts and requirements are subject to change without notice. PACE rebates are available on a first-come, first, serve basis. Businesses are required to contact an advisor prior to the purchase of energy efficiency measures to confirm funding availability, ensure that their project meets the eligibility requirements, and to schedule an energy assessment/walk-through of the project to verify existing equipment.