Greeley, CO Solar Panels
Solar Power in Greeley
If you’re a Greeley homeowner thinking about solar, you’re not alone. Colorado electricity prices have increased 22% from 2020 to 2024, and many residents are looking for ways to take more control over their energy costs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about solar panel installation in Greeley — from how the process works to what you can realistically expect. Whether you’re just curious or ready to move forward, start with our overview of solar panels for your home.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Greeley, CO?
Based on real solar installations across Greeley and nearby communities like Evans, Windsor, and Johnstown, this calculator gives you an honest, localized estimate of what solar could cost — and save — for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Greeley gets over 300 sunny days a year and 5.5 peak sun hours daily, making it one of Colorado’s best cities for solar energy production.
- Colorado electricity rates have risen 15% since 2021 — Greeley homeowners can use solar to lock in more predictable energy costs and reduce utility dependence.
- A typical Greeley home can save around $55,000 over 25 years with solar, and Colorado offers strong incentives including a property tax exemption and net metering.
Greeley Electricity Prices
Electricity rates in Greeley are rising. Here’s what the data shows — and why more local homeowners are paying closer attention.
Colorado’s electricity rate climbed from 13.1 cents per kWh in 2021 to 15.1 cents per kWh in 2024 — a roughly 15% increase in just three years. Xcel Energy serves most of the Greeley area, and like most utilities, its rates have trended upward.
While Colorado rates remain below the national average — 15.1¢ vs. 16.5¢ per kWh in 2024 — the upward trend still affects monthly budgets. Solar can help homeowners generate their own electricity and reduce dependence on utility pricing they can’t control.
Over a 25-year system lifespan, locking in a portion of your energy production at a fixed cost can provide meaningful stability — especially as utility rates continue to rise year over year, regardless of where they start.
Price of Energy: Colorado vs National Average
Greeley Area Utility Providers
Greeley homeowners are primarily served by Xcel Energy. According to 2023 data — the most recent available — Xcel Energy’s residential electricity rate was 14.30¢ per kWh, matching Colorado’s state average.
That 14.30¢ rate sits below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh, meaning Greeley residents pay less than most Americans for electricity — a useful benchmark when evaluating your energy options.
Even at competitive rates, electricity costs can rise over time. Solar can help Greeley homeowners lock in more predictable energy costs and reduce long-term exposure to future utility rate increases.
Greeley Utilities Electricity Rates
Colorado Solar Incentives
Greeley homeowners have access to several solar incentives in Colorado that can help reduce the upfront and ongoing costs of going solar.
The most relevant incentives for Greeley residents — who are primarily served by Xcel Energy — include the Colorado property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, net metering policy, Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards rebate, and the Colorado RENU Loan Program.
The federal residential solar tax credit is no longer available as of 2026. State and local incentives still apply. With a solar lease through LightReach, Palmetto handles the commercial ITC and passes the benefit through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | Residential solar systems up to 100 kW AC are fully exempt from Colorado property taxation, meaning your home’s assessed value won’t increase due to your solar installation. | Learn More |
| Colorado Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Colorado homeowners pay zero state sales tax (2.9%) on the purchase of solar energy equipment, reducing the upfront cost of going solar. | Learn More |
| Colorado Residential Energy Storage System Tax Credit | Tax Credit | Colorado offers a 10% state income tax credit on the cost of qualifying residential battery storage systems, including equipment, sales tax, and shipping. | Learn More |
| Colorado Net Metering Policy | Net Metering | Colorado requires most utilities to credit solar customers at the full retail rate for excess electricity sent to the grid, with unused credits carrying over monthly and any annual surplus reimbursed. | Learn More |
| Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards Program | Rebate | Xcel Energy offers income-qualified Colorado customers an upfront rebate of up to $1 per watt (up to $1,000/kW for DI communities) for installing a new solar system. | Learn More |
| Xcel Energy Renewable Battery Connect Program | Rebate | Xcel Energy offers an upfront rebate of $350/kW (up to $5,000) for home battery storage systems, with enhanced incentives of $800/kW for income-qualified and disproportionately impacted customers. | Learn More |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 Rebate | Rebate | Tesla is offering a manufacturer rebate of $500 per Powerwall 3 unit, up to $1,000 per address, for systems registered by March 31, 2026 and installed by September 30, 2026. | |
| Colorado RENU Loan Program | Loan/Financing | The Colorado Clean Energy Fund offers homeowners solar financing of up to $75,000 with no down payment and below-market interest rates through a network of state credit unions. | |
| Colorado Solar for All (COS4A) Program | Grant | The Colorado Energy Office received $156 million from the EPA’s Solar for All program to expand rooftop solar access for low-income and underserved Colorado households. | Learn More |
Colorado law (§ 39-3-102, C.R.S.) exempts independently owned residential solar electric generation facilities from property taxation. This means that even though adding solar panels increases your home’s market value, the added value from the solar system will not be included in your property tax assessment — saving you money every year you own the system.
To qualify, the solar system must be located on residential real property, used to produce electricity from solar energy primarily for use in that residence, and have a production capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts (AC). The exemption applies to the renewable energy equipment itself, not the underlying land or home structure.
This is an automatic, ongoing benefit — there is no application required. As long as your system meets the eligibility criteria, you are entitled to the exemption. It is one of the easiest and most valuable long-term financial benefits of going solar in Greeley, CO.
Colorado offers a 100% exemption from the state’s 2.9% sales tax on the purchase of residential solar system equipment. This exemption applies at the point of sale, meaning you simply won’t be charged state sales tax when you buy qualifying solar components — no rebate application or reimbursement process is needed.
The exemption covers state-administered special district sales taxes but does not apply to most state-administered city and county sales taxes. On a typical 5 kW solar system costing around $15,000, the state sales tax exemption could save you approximately $435 or more.
This benefit is available to all Colorado homeowners purchasing solar equipment, regardless of income. It stacks well with other incentives such as utility rebates and the state battery storage tax credit, helping to further reduce your total out-of-pocket cost.
Colorado’s Residential Energy Storage System Tax Credit allows homeowners to claim a 10% state income tax credit on the purchase of a qualifying home battery backup system. The credit applies to the cost of battery components, sales tax, and shipping — and is not reduced by any utility rebates you may also receive. The credit is available for tax years 2023 through 2026.
To qualify, the energy storage system must be installed in a residential building in Colorado and meet minimum capacity requirements (at least 3 kWh). The credit is filed using Colorado Form DR-1307 when you submit your state income tax return for the year the system was installed.
For example, if your battery storage system costs $10,000 (including tax and shipping), you could receive a $1,000 state tax credit. This credit can be combined with utility battery rebates (such as Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect Program) to maximize your total savings on battery storage.
Colorado’s net metering policy is one of the strongest in the nation. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess energy is sent back to the grid and your utility credits your account at the full retail electricity rate — meaning each kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export is worth the same as a kWh you would otherwise purchase. This significantly improves the financial return on your solar investment.
Net metering applies to all regulated utilities and electric cooperatives in Colorado (excluding small municipal utilities). Credits accumulate on your bill and roll over from month to month. If you end the year with a net surplus of credits, your utility is required to reimburse you for those excess credits, or you may opt to roll them over to the following year.
For Xcel Energy customers in Greeley, net metering is available for systems producing up to 200% of your annual electricity usage. Xcel Energy is also launching a Virtual Power Plant program in 2026 to coordinate battery storage alongside net metering for additional grid benefits.
Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Program provides upfront cash rebates to eligible customers who install rooftop solar. Income-qualified residents and those living in Disproportionately Impacted (DI) communities can receive $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) for systems up to 10 kW — meaning a typical 5 kW system could earn a $5,000 rebate. Standard-rate rebates are also available at $1 per watt for general customers, subject to available funding.
Payments are made within 60 days of receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from Xcel. In exchange, Xcel claims the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by your system for 20 years. The program is income-qualified, so eligibility is based on household income relative to the area median income.
Important note for 2026: The 2025 program budget was fully exhausted, and Xcel has not yet confirmed 2026 funding availability for the Renewable Battery Connect and related programs. Interested customers in Greeley should apply early in 2026 and monitor Xcel’s website for funding updates, as spots are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Xcel Energy’s Renewable Battery Connect Program provides upfront cash incentives to customers who install an eligible home battery storage system and allow Xcel to manage the battery during peak demand periods. Standard customers receive $350 per kW of battery capacity, up to $5,000 per application, plus an additional $100 annually for continued enrollment (for up to 5 years). Income-qualified customers and those in Disproportionately Impacted communities receive an enhanced incentive of $800 per kW, up to 75% of the equipment-only cost.
Eligible battery models include the Tesla Powerwall 2, Tesla Powerwall+, Tesla Powerwall 3, and SolarEdge Home Battery. By enrolling, you agree to allow Xcel to automatically charge or discharge up to 60% of your battery up to 60 times per year during high-demand grid events — helping stabilize the grid while you earn incentives.
As of early 2026, Xcel has not yet released program funding for the Renewable Battery Connect or the Income-Qualified/DI Community Battery Rebate programs. Customers in Greeley should check Xcel’s website frequently for funding announcements, as these programs are popular and funds are limited. Xcel is also launching a Virtual Power Plant program in 2026 that will coordinate enrolled batteries for additional grid support.
Tesla is offering a limited-time manufacturer rebate of $500 per Powerwall 3 unit installed, with a maximum rebate of $1,000 per address (covering up to 2 units). Both the Powerwall 3 and Powerwall 3 Expansion Units are eligible for this rebate. This offer is available to Colorado homeowners as part of a broader national promotion.
To qualify, homeowners must register for the rebate by March 31, 2026, and complete the installation by September 30, 2026. Missing either deadline will disqualify the system from receiving the rebate, so it is important to plan your installation timeline accordingly.
This Tesla manufacturer rebate can be stacked with other Colorado incentives, including the Xcel Energy Renewable Battery Connect Program (for Xcel customers in Greeley), the Colorado state 10% battery storage tax credit, and any applicable utility rebates. Combining these incentives can significantly reduce the net cost of a Powerwall 3 installation.
The Colorado Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program, offered through the Colorado Clean Energy Fund in partnership with state credit unions, provides affordable financing for homeowners who want to install solar panels or make other clean energy improvements. Homeowners can borrow up to $75,000 with no down payment required, a fixed monthly payment, and no prepayment penalty.
Loan terms extend up to 20 years, and interest rates are set below market rates, making this one of the most affordable solar financing options available in Colorado. The program is supported by the Colorado Clean Energy Fund, a nonprofit organization with ties to the state government, ensuring its mission is focused on expanding clean energy access rather than profit.
The RENU Loan is available to Colorado homeowners who own their home and is designed to work alongside other incentives. For example, residents of Greeley could use the RENU Loan to finance your solar system while still claiming the Colorado property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, and any applicable utility rebates — reducing both your upfront costs and your long-term financing burden.
The Colorado Solar for All (COS4A) program was funded through a $156 million award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Solar for All competition, established by the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Colorado Energy Office administers the program, which is designed to expand rooftop solar adoption among low-income, underserved, and environmental justice communities across the state.
The program works with competitively selected industry partners to deliver, install, operate, and manage solar assets for eligible households. The goal is to reduce energy costs and improve energy resilience for Coloradans who have historically had limited access to solar energy benefits.
Note: The Colorado Solar for All Single Family 100% Subsidy Program (SF100) is currently on hold as of 2026. Interested households in Greeley should monitor the Colorado Energy Office website for updates on program availability, eligibility requirements, and how to apply when the program resumes accepting applications.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Colorado incentives.
Get a Free QuoteGreeley Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Greeley enjoys over 300 sunny days annually and high elevation, boosting solar production. Even with occasional snowstorms, Greeley’s climate makes it an excellent city for solar energy.
Solar Production in Greeley by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Greeley
We’ve mapped every solar installation across the U.S. — right down to the address level. Explore the map below to see which Greeley neighborhoods are leading the way in solar adoption. Click any hexagon to see how many of your neighbors have already made the switch!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’d rather go solar without a large upfront investment, Palmetto’s LightReach program offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for Greeley homeowners served by Xcel Energy — and it’s available across all major Colorado utilities. With a PPA, instead of buying the system, you simply pay for the electricity it produces at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Because solar panels produce more energy in summer than winter, your PPA bill will naturally be higher in summer months — but so will your utility savings.
Compared to paying cash for a system, a PPA means no large upfront cost, no loan to manage, and no maintenance responsibilities. Palmetto owns and maintains the system for you, including a 90% production guarantee. You get the benefit of clean, lower-cost solar energy from day one — without the complexity of ownership. To learn more about how this compares to buying outright, visit our solar buy vs. lease guide.
A PPA is a straightforward way for Greeley homeowners to reduce their monthly electricity costs and gain more predictability over energy bills — especially as Xcel Energy rates continue to rise. If you want the benefits of solar without the investment, a PPA through LightReach is worth exploring.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes strong sense for Greeley homeowners. With over 300 sunny days per year and 5.5 peak sun hours daily, Greeley is one of Colorado’s best cities for solar production. A typical home can save around $55,000 over 25 years, and Colorado offers valuable incentives including a property tax exemption, sales tax exemption, and net metering through Xcel Energy.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — Greeley homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one.
Yes, Greeley has net metering. Most Greeley homeowners are served by Xcel Energy, which offers 1:1 net metering — meaning excess solar energy sent to the grid is credited at the full retail rate. Credits roll over month to month as a dollar credit.
At the end of the year, Xcel Energy customers can choose to roll over unused credits indefinitely or cash out at the Average Incremental Cost Rate (approximately 1.5¢/kWh). Rolling over credits is generally the better long-term option for most homeowners.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Greeley. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $400,000 home in Greeley, that could mean roughly $16,400 in added value.
Colorado also makes this even more attractive with a Solar Property Tax Exemption — meaning your property taxes won’t increase due to the added home value from your solar installation. You get the financial upside without the tax downside.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Greeley homeowners can go solar for as little as $75/month with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, and savings start from day one.
For those who prefer to own outright, a typical 6.40 kW cash purchase runs around $19,117. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the solar cost calculator above for a personalized Greeley estimate.
For most Greeley homeowners, solar is financially worthwhile — especially with a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront cost, and your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current Xcel Energy bill, meaning you can start saving from day one.
Over 25 years, a typical Greeley home can save around $55,000. With Colorado electricity rates rising 15% since 2021, locking in predictable energy costs makes solar a sound long-term financial decision.
Palmetto Solar is a top choice for Greeley homeowners. We’re a national company with deep Colorado roots — completing 1,534 installations across Colorado since 2020. Our vetted local install network ensures quality workmanship, and we offer some of the most competitive financing options in the industry, including our LightReach lease with no upfront cost.
Whether you’re looking to lease or purchase, we make the process straightforward — from permitting through activation. Greeley’s 300+ sunny days a year make it an excellent fit for solar, and we’re here to help you take advantage of it.
Palmetto’s LightReach is an all-inclusive solar lease — one monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There is no upfront cost. For a typical 6.40 kW system in Greeley, the estimated monthly payment is approximately $75/month, based on Colorado’s production ratio of 1,346 kWh/kW/year.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it qualifies for the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — a meaningful advantage now that the residential ITC is no longer available for cash purchases. Most Greeley homeowners find the lease payment is less than their current Xcel Energy bill, so savings begin immediately.