Federal Solar ITC + Colorado Energy Office Solar Rebate
IRS / Colorado Energy Office / Xcel Energy
About This Program
Note: Congress ended this federal tax credit for installations after December 31, 2025. Projects placed in service by that date can still be claimed on your 2025 federal return (IRS Form 5695).
Denver homeowners can claim the 30% federal Solar ITC and participate in Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program, which pays $0.02-$0.05 per kWh for excess generation over 10 years. Colorado also has a Sales & Use Tax Exemption for solar equipment. Denver's own Climate Action Rebate program has offered additional incentives. Average Denver system: $15,000-$22,000 before incentives.
30% federal ITC + Xcel Solar*Rewards payments over 10 years + CO sales tax exemption
The cited program-specific URL responded on 2026-07-21; confirm current terms.
Record set last reviewed 2026-04-03. How we verify our data.
Other published resources for Denver, CO, are listed below. Review each separately and ask the administrators whether they can coordinate funding for the same work:
- Denver HOST Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Up to $50,000
- Denver HOST Emergency Home Repair Loan Up to $10,000
- Denver Renter/Homeowner Access Modification Program (RHAMP) Up to $15,000 grant
- Denver Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant (HUD-Funded) 100% cost covered (no cap listed)
Key Details
- 30% federal ITC on full solar installation cost
- Xcel Solar*Rewards: per-kWh payment over 10 years for excess generation
- Colorado sales and use tax exemption for solar equipment
- Denver Climate Action Rebate may offer additional local incentives
- Contact Xcel Energy: 800-895-4999 for Solar*Rewards enrollment
How to Apply
Some programs require contractor estimates, licenses, or inspections. A cited link may be general, so confirm the current rules with the administrator before hiring; a directory match does not guarantee contractor eligibility or funding.
You may need a contractor or estimate
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Your application paperwork
Form to file: IRS Form 5695
This is a federal tax credit, not a grant you apply for. You claim 30 percent of the cost of a qualifying solar or clean energy system on your federal tax return using Form 5695.
Steps to apply
- Have your solar or clean energy system installed and pay for it.
- Keep the itemized invoice and proof of payment.
- Complete IRS Form 5695 and file it with your Form 1040 for the year the system was placed in service.
- If the credit is larger than your tax bill, carry the unused amount forward to next year.
Documents you will likely need
- Itemized invoice from your installer showing the system cost.
- Proof of payment.
- Manufacturer certification statement for the equipment.
- Your federal tax return (Form 1040) for the year of installation.
Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules and application route with the administrator. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.
Deadline: Ended December 31, 2025 (federal law change)
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More ways to save on this project
Rebates and discounts that may reduce project cost. Confirm eligibility and coordination rules before including one in your budget.
Find More Programs in Denver, CO
This is one of several kinds of assistance that may be available. Review other programs separately and confirm whether their administrators allow coordination for the same work.
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