Aurora on Xcel
Xcel credits exports and rolls credits forward, so sizing to cover most of your annual usage is usually sensible. The limit is the 5–9 pm peak on the default time-of-use plan, which panels can’t cover alone. Newer Aurora homes with big south- or west-facing roof planes often get strong production.
Aurora on CORE
CORE credits monthly surplus 1:1 but pays for year-end leftover at a low avoided-cost rate. A system sized to make as much as you use, or a bit less, avoids giving away power cheaply. On CORE, the value of every kWh you use in real time goes up relative to what you export.
Honest payback in 2026
With the §25D credit gone for systems finished after 2025, cash payback is longer than older Aurora quotes suggest. Leases and PPAs, where the owner can still claim §48E through 2027, often give better month-one savings; buying still wins over 25 years if your roof and usage support it. If your roof is shaded, due for replacement, or your bill is small, solar may not pay off, and we’ll say so.
FAQ
Questions we hear
How much does an 8 kW solar system cost in Aurora?
About $22,400–$26,000 at our $2.80–$3.25 per watt range, depending on roof and equipment.
Is solar a better deal on Xcel or CORE in Aurora?
It depends on your usage. CORE penalizes oversizing more at year-end; Xcel’s time-of-use peak penalizes evening usage. We model your address’s utility, not an average.
Can I get a lease or PPA in Aurora?
Yes. Our lease and PPA offers typically price power 20–30% below retail utility rates, around $125–$240 a month.
Do HOA-approved panel colors cost more?
Sometimes slightly. Colorado law caps HOA-required changes at 10% added cost or 10% lost performance.