A 30¢ spread changes the battery math
On Off-Peak Plus, moving 10 kWh a day from the 5–9 p.m. window to off-peak saves roughly $3 a day. Over about 310 Monday-to-Saturday days, that’s on the order of $900 a year — several times what the same battery saves on most Colorado rates. It’s still a long payback on a $15,500–$19,000 battery, but it’s a real one.
The catch is discipline: at 38.21¢, running the dryer or charging an EV at 6 p.m. without a battery is expensive. The rate has a 12-month minimum, so we model your actual usage before you switch.
Financing through the co-op
SIEA’s Shift to Save program offers 0% on-bill financing for home batteries, with or without solar, for up to 10 years if your credit score is above 650. Compared with 7.74–8.99% loans, that’s a significant difference over a decade. You must be on Off-Peak Plus to participate.
Solar and the May payout
Solar surplus goes into a kWh bank that rolls until May; if it’s worth more than $25 after April billing, SIEA mails a check at avoided cost. Pair that with Off-Peak Plus and a battery, and the design goal is simple: use solar and stored energy during 5–9 p.m., and export as little as possible.
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.
Shift to Save home battery program
OpenBatteries with or without solar, financed on-bill at 0% for up to 10 years for members with a credit score above 650; requires the Off-Peak Plus rate.
- Shift to Save: 0% on-bill financing up to 10 years (credit score above 650); payments typically under $125/month; requires Off-Peak Plus; combined battery and renewables capacity up to 25 kWh as written.(source)
Level 2 EV charger rebate
OpenTemporarily increased: up to $3,000 for households at 80–150% of area median income, up to $1,500 for others, covering up to 50% of cost; requires Off-Peak Plus.
- Level 2 charger rebate up to $3,000 (80–150% AMI) or $1,500 (others), up to 50% of cost; travel fees reimbursed up to $150; part of Shift to Save (Off-Peak Plus required).(source)
FAQ
Questions we hear
What is San Isabel Electric’s Off-Peak Plus rate?
A time-of-use rate open to any member: 38.21¢/kWh from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday–Saturday; off-peak 8.84¢ for the first 1,000 kWh and 6.29¢ after. It has a 12-month minimum.
Can I finance a home battery through SIEA?
Yes. Shift to Save offers 0% on-bill financing for up to 10 years with a credit score above 650, if you’re on Off-Peak Plus.
How much is SIEA’s EV charger rebate?
Up to $3,000 for households at 80–150% of area median income and up to $1,500 for others, covering up to 50% of cost, while the temporary increase lasts. Off-Peak Plus is required.
When does SIEA pay for extra solar?
In May. If your kWh bank is worth more than $25 at the end of April billing, SIEA mails a check at its avoided cost; smaller balances become a bill credit.