Xcel rules, Boulder rebates
Boulder voters ended the city’s pursuit of a municipal utility in November 2020, and the city is served by Xcel under a franchise that runs to 2041. That means Xcel’s net metering — exported kWh credited one-for-one, with credits rolling forward — and Xcel’s time-of-use schedule, which since November 2025 puts on-peak at 5–9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays, priced at about 2.7 times off-peak.
On top of that, the City of Boulder rebates approximately 15% of the city sales and use tax paid on solar materials and permits, and batteries were added to the program in April 2026. Boulder residents and businesses apply within 12 months of the city’s final inspection. The rebate is subject to funding availability, so apply promptly.
Two Xcel wildfire shutoffs in four months
In December 2025, Xcel de-energized about 50,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties during extreme wind and fire danger. In March 2026 it did it again, cutting power to about 18,000 customers — roughly 14,400 of them in Boulder County. Outages in these events have lasted from a day to three days or more.
That’s the most concrete local case for a battery we know of. A battery sized for essentials — fridge, furnace blower, Wi-Fi, medical devices — turns a multi-day shutoff into an inconvenience. Solar panels alone don’t help; a grid-tied system without storage shuts down with the grid.
Downslope winds and the Marshall Fire
Boulder sits under the Front Range’s downslope windstorms, which can push hurricane-force gusts off the foothills in winter. Those winds drove the Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021, and they’re why Xcel now pre-emptively shuts off power when wind and fire conditions line up.
For solar, wind means engineered attachments and racking rated for the site — not a problem, but not something to shortcut.
Permits through City of Boulder Planning & Development Services
Inside city limits, the City of Boulder issues solar permits through Planning & Development Services; outside the city, Boulder County does. Boulder isn’t among the five full SolarAPP+ jurisdictions in Colorado. Homes in designated historic districts face landmarks review for visible exterior changes, so we plan array placement early on those.
Help for income-qualified households
Boulder’s EnergySmart program is limited to income-qualified households in 2026, and enrollment through EnergySmart is the path to the city’s income-qualified solar grants. The grant terms are set by the city and are subject to funding, so check the current terms before planning around them.
Homes & roofs here
Older homes and mature tree canopy in central neighborhoods (including designated historic districts), mid-century ranches, and newer or rebuilt homes in outlying areas — many built to recent energy codes.
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
City of Boulder Solar & Battery System Tax Rebate
OpenRebate of approximately 15% of city sales/use tax paid on solar (and, since April 2026, battery) materials and permits. For Boulder residents and businesses; apply within 12 months of final inspection; subject to funding.
- Approximately 15% of city sales and use tax on materials and permits; batteries added April 2026; apply within 12 months of final inspection; subject to funding availability.(source)
City of Boulder Solar Grants (income-qualified)
Status unconfirmedIncome-qualified solar grants, enrolled through EnergySmart; subject to funding.
Boulder EnergySmart
OpenEnergy advising and services; limited to income-qualified households in 2026.
- EnergySmart is income-qualified only in 2026.
Xcel Renewable Battery Connect
Status unconfirmedXcel battery incentive reported reopened May 21, 2026 at $350/kW up to $5,000 in exchange for letting Xcel dispatch the battery during events. Deadlines and income-qualified amounts are not confirmed.
Colorado residential energy storage income tax credit
Open10% of battery purchase price for tax years 2023–2026.
- C.R.S. 39-22-546; repeals 1/1/2027.(source)
FAQ
Questions we hear
Is Boulder still trying to create its own electric utility?
No. Voters ended the municipalization effort in November 2020, and Xcel operates under a franchise that runs to 2041. Xcel’s rates, net metering and programs apply in Boulder.
How does Boulder’s solar tax rebate work?
The city rebates approximately 15% of the city sales and use tax you paid on solar materials and permits. Batteries became eligible in April 2026. Apply within 12 months of the city’s final inspection; rebates are subject to funding availability.
How often has Xcel shut off power in Boulder for wildfire risk?
Twice recently: December 2025 (about 50,000 customers across five counties) and March 14, 2026 (about 18,000 customers, roughly 14,400 in Boulder County). Future shutoffs depend on conditions.
Will my solar panels keep my Boulder home powered during a shutoff?
Not by themselves. Grid-tied solar turns off when the grid does, for line-worker safety. You need a battery (or a bidirectional EV setup) configured for backup.
Can I get a solar grant in Boulder?
Income-qualified households can apply for city solar grants by enrolling through EnergySmart. Grants are subject to funding; check the city’s solar grants page for current amounts and income limits.
Does a historic district in Boulder block solar?
Not automatically, but visible exterior changes in designated districts go through landmarks review. We design placement to fit that review from the start.