Colorado solar policy planning
Solar savings depend on two values: electricity you avoid buying from the grid and exported solar energy your utility credits back. This page explains how SolarCalcNow models export value as a planning assumption, not a final utility-specific tariff.
Source coverage: Xcel Energy Colorado
Xcel distinguishes continuous rollover from annual cash-out. Cash-out uses average hourly incremental energy cost, not retail. Obtain the current solar-bank election form; this example does not cover every Colorado provider.
Read the primary source — Xcel Energy Colorado solar bankSource checked: · Next review due: 2026-10-04
10%, 35% and 100% of retail are author-selected sensitivity scenarios, not this utility's tariff. Same inputs: 900 kWh/month, 100% annual energy target, 55% direct solar use, low shade, 400 W panels. Change only export value to see its effect on energy savings and gross-cost payback.
| Export / retail | Annual energy savings | Simple gross-cost payback |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $1,101 | 16.0 years–24.1 years |
| 35% | $1,309 | 13.5 years–20.3 years |
| 100% | $1,850 | 9.5 years–14.4 years |
Annual totals cannot reproduce hourly export prices, monthly credit expiry, demand charges or utility-specific minimum bills. Match the utility and interconnection date before selecting a scenario. For an actual proposal, request a bill simulation under that tariff.
After checking export value, compare the same assumptions against installer proposals and incentive claims.