Is Colorado Springs Utilities the same as Xcel Energy?

No. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is a separate municipal utility — an enterprise of the City of Colorado Springs, completely independent from Xcel Energy. The solar programs, net metering terms, interconnection process, and rate structures are different. Xcel's Solar*Rewards program does not apply to CSU customers. Installers who work both Denver (Xcel) and Colorado Springs (CSU) must use different interconnection applications and follow different program rules for each.

What rebate does Colorado Springs Utilities offer for solar?

CSU pays $0.10 per watt installed for new residential solar systems, with a 15kW system size cap. The $100 interconnection application fee applies. Systems must be sized to no more than 120% of prior 12-month usage. The full interconnection process typically runs 4 to 8 weeks.

What electrical code does Colorado Springs use for solar in 2026?

Colorado Springs uses NEC 2020 as the working electrical standard for solar permits.

What AHJ handles solar permits in Colorado Springs?

City of Colorado Springs Development Services handles permits for addresses within city limits. El Paso County Building Department handles unincorporated county addresses. Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) serves some El Paso County rural areas outside CSU territory — different utility, different net metering terms.

What is the military solar market in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has one of the highest concentrations of military installations in the US: Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, and NORAD/NORTHCOM HQ. These installations create significant government facility solar and EV fleet demand, plus a large military household residential market.

What NEC edition does Colorado use for solar permits?

Colorado solar permits are governed by the NEC 2020 edition, adopted through local building codes across the state. Colorado has no single statewide electrical code adoption — each municipality adopts the NEC independently. Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and most Front Range cities enforce NEC 2020. NEC 2020 Article 690 governs solar PV systems and NEC 690.12 governs rapid shutdown requirements. Always verify the adopted NEC edition with your specific Colorado AHJ before submission, as some smaller jurisdictions may reference earlier editions.

Does Colorado require PE stamps for solar permit plan sets?

Yes. Colorado requires PE-stamped engineering documentation for solar permit plan sets, particularly for snow and wind load structural analysis. Stamped engineering documentation is required for older roofs, heavy systems, or any installation in mountain communities with elevated snow loads. Lafayette, CO explicitly requires all diagrams and the engineer's evaluation letter to be stamped and signed by a Colorado licensed Professional Engineer showing existing structure compliance. Xcel Energy also requires engineering review as part of its interconnection approval process.

How long does Xcel Energy solar interconnection take in Colorado?

Xcel Energy solar interconnection in Colorado takes 12 to 16 weeks following initial application submission, assuming no grid infrastructure upgrades are necessary. When distribution system upgrades are required, the timeline extends by an additional 3 to 6 months. This 12–16 week Xcel Energy timeline is completely separate from the local building permit timeline. Colorado EPCs must plan their project schedules to account for both the local permit review (typically 2–6 weeks) and the Xcel Energy interconnection review running in parallel.

What is Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program in Colorado?

Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program is Colorado's primary solar incentive for Xcel Energy customers. The program provides per-kWh production-based incentives for qualifying solar installations in Xcel Energy's Colorado service territory. Solar*Rewards requires a separate interconnection application submitted to Xcel Energy's Solar Team at SolarProgram@xcelenergy.com. Plan sets for Solar*Rewards projects must meet Xcel Energy's engineering documentation standards and be formatted to Xcel's distribution system review requirements. The CPUC (Colorado Public Utilities Commission) oversees the Solar*Rewards program and Xcel Energy's interconnection process.

What are Colorado's snow load requirements for solar permit plan sets?

Colorado solar permit plan sets must include snow load calculations per ASCE 7-22 that account for the dramatically different snow loads across the state. Denver and Front Range cities: 30–40 psf ground snow load. Boulder and foothills: 40–60 psf. Mountain communities like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs: 60–100+ psf. All Colorado solar permit plan sets must document structural capacity for the location-specific snow load. Snow drift calculations are required for systems near roof parapets, dormers, or mechanical equipment. This is the most critical structural element in any Colorado solar plan set.

Which utilities serve Colorado solar installations?

Colorado has multiple utilities serving different geographic areas. Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado) is the largest, serving Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the Front Range corridor. Holy Cross Energy serves mountain communities including Aspen, Vail, Glenwood Springs, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) serves Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Estes Park through municipal utilities. United Power serves parts of Weld and Adams counties north of Denver. Black Hills Energy serves Pueblo and southeastern Colorado. Rural electric cooperatives serve much of rural Colorado. Each utility has distinct interconnection requirements.

What is the Colorado Public Utilities Commission's role in solar?

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates investor-owned utilities in Colorado — including Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado), Black Hills Energy, and others. The CPUC governs the interconnection queue, technical review process, and approval steps for grid-tied solar systems in investor-owned utility territory. CPUC rules require utilities to process interconnection applications within defined timelines and mandate net metering for qualifying systems. Rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities (like those served by PRPA) operate under different frameworks and are not directly regulated by the CPUC.

Does Colorado have net metering for solar?

Yes. Colorado's net metering law (HB10-1001) mandates retail-rate net metering for all investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives. Xcel Energy customers receive credit for excess solar generation at the full retail electricity rate. Credits roll over monthly. Colorado's Solar Rights Act prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting compliant solar installations. Colorado also has Community Solar Gardens enabling renters and non-ideal-roof homeowners to subscribe to shared solar arrays and receive bill credits.

What are Colorado's solar tax incentives in 2026?

Colorado provides a property tax exemption for residential solar installations — the added value of a solar system is exempt from property tax assessment under Colorado's Renewable Energy Equipment Exemption (REES). Colorado also exempts solar equipment from state sales tax. Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards program provides production-based incentives for qualifying Xcel customers. Holy Cross Energy offers its own rebate programs for mountain community members. Federal investment tax credit (ITC) considerations apply — commercial EPCs must begin construction by July 4, 2026 to lock in the ITC four-year window.

What is the Holy Cross Energy interconnection process for Colorado solar?

Holy Cross Energy is Colorado's mountain communities electric cooperative, serving Aspen, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, and the Roaring Fork and Eagle valleys. Holy Cross Energy operates independently from Xcel Energy's interconnection process and CPUC regulation. Solar interconnection applications for Holy Cross Energy territory must be submitted directly to Holy Cross. Mountain community solar projects in Holy Cross territory face additional structural engineering requirements due to extreme snow loads (60–100+ psf) and high wind exposure at elevation. Plan sets for Holy Cross territory must be formatted to Holy Cross Energy's interconnection standards.

How long does Colorado solar permitting take?

The statewide median Colorado solar permit timeline is approximately 39 days from application to approval per NREL SolarTRACE data. Denver and Boulder typically process permits in 2–4 weeks. Fort Collins and Colorado Springs: 2–5 weeks. Mountain communities with smaller building departments may take 4–8 weeks. Xcel Energy interconnection approval runs separately and takes 12–16 weeks — Colorado EPCs must submit the Xcel Energy interconnection application in parallel with the local permit application to avoid adding 3–4 months to total project timelines.

How long does it take to get a Colorado solar permit plan set from Permit Design?

Permit Design delivers Colorado solar permit plan sets within 24–48 hours of receiving project details. Every Colorado plan set is NEC 2020 compliant, PE stamped for snow and wind loads specific to the project location, formatted to your AHJ's submittal requirements, and includes Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards interconnection documentation, Holy Cross Energy documentation, or other Colorado utility interconnection packages as required. For mountain community projects with elevated snow loads, snow drift calculations are included at no extra charge. Free revisions until your Colorado AHJ approves.

PERMITDESIGN

All States Contact Order Plan Set →

El Paso County · NEC 2020 · CSU Municipal Utility · Not Xcel Energy

Colorado Springs Solar Permit Design.
CSU — Not Xcel. Municipal Utility. Net Metering Protected Oct 2025.

Colorado Springs solar permit drawings for City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is a municipal utility — NOT Xcel Energy. CSU has its own solar program: net metering protected by City Council vote (5-4, October 2025), $0.10/W rebate, 15kW residential cap. Large military market: Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, NORAD. Free for first-time clients.

⚡ Order Your Colorado Springs Plan Set CSU vs Xcel — Key Differences ↓

CSU Municipal utility · NOT Xcel Energy

Net Metering Protected Oct 2025 · City Council 5-4

Military Market Fort Carson · Peterson SFB · NORAD

Free AHJ revisions

CSU NEMNet metering protected Oct 2025 · $0.10/W rebate

Not XcelMunicipal utility · Separate program from Denver

MilitaryFort Carson · Peterson SFB · NORAD market

24–48 hrStandard plan set delivery

2026 CodesElectrical: NEC 2020 (Colorado)Structural: IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 (Colorado amendments)Utility: CSU (Colorado Springs Utilities) · Municipal · NOT Xcel EnergyNet metering: Protected by City Council Oct 2025 · $0.10/W rebateLast verified July 2026

Colorado Springs Utilities Is Not Xcel Energy — The Programs Are Completely Different

CSU Net Metering Was Protected by a 5-4 City Council Vote in October 2025. $0.10/W Rebate. 15kW Residential Cap. Installers Who Work Denver Must Use a Completely Different Program for Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is a municipal enterprise of the City of Colorado Springs — completely separate from Xcel Energy. Xcel’s Solar*Rewards program and full retail net metering policies don’t apply in CSU territory. CSU offers its own solar program: a $0.10 per watt installed rebate for residential systems, a $100 interconnection application fee, a 15kW residential system size cap, and full retail net metering that the City Council voted 5-4 in October 2025 to protect from proposed demand charges. Installers who work both Denver (Xcel) and Colorado Springs (CSU) must file completely different interconnection applications and follow different program rules.

CSU Solar Program — $0.10/W Rebate · Net Metering Protected · 15kW Cap

✅CSU net metering: full retail rate credits · Protected by City Council Oct 2025 (5-4 vote)

✅CSU rebate: $0.10 per watt installed · 15kW residential system size cap

✅CSU interconnection application fee: $100 residential · Submit before permit pull

⚠️System must be sized to no more than 120% of prior 12-month usage

⚠️CSU interconnection: 4–8 weeks · Submit simultaneously with building permit

NOT Xcel Energy — CSU Programs, Applications, and Terms Are Separate

⚠️Xcel Energy does NOT serve Colorado Springs — CSU is the municipal utility

⚠️Xcel Solar*Rewards incentive does NOT apply to CSU customers

⚠️Xcel interconnection applications submitted to CSU are rejected immediately

✅City of Colorado Springs Building Services handles permits for city addresses

✅El Paso County Building handles unincorporated county addresses

⚠️ Never submit a Xcel Energy interconnection application for a Colorado Springs address. CSU and Xcel are separate utilities with separate service territories and completely separate interconnection processes. Installers who work Denver (Xcel) and Colorado Springs (CSU) must use different applications, different program rules, and different rebate documentation for each.

Why Colorado Springs Installers Outsource

Wrong Utility Application. CSU Rebate Documentation Missing. Military Market Needs Specific Handling.

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Using a Xcel Energy Interconnection Application for a CSU Address

Xcel Energy and CSU are completely separate utilities. Xcel’s interconnection application is rejected by CSU immediately. Installers who work primarily in Xcel territory sometimes assume Colorado Springs is also Xcel. Every CSU project needs CSU’s specific interconnection application, CSU’s $100 application fee, and CSU’s rebate documentation. We format every Colorado Springs plan set for CSU submission.

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CSU Rebate Documentation Must Be Included in the Plan Set

CSU’s $0.10/W rebate for residential systems requires specific documentation submitted with the interconnection application — including system size, component specs, and contractor verification. Missing rebate documentation means the customer loses the rebate. We include CSU rebate application documentation notes in every Colorado Springs plan set deliverable.

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Military Installation Solar Projects Require Federal Permitting Coordination

Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, and NORAD/NORTHCOM are federal installations with their own permitting authorities. Solar on base housing or government facilities follows federal project management processes, not City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County permitting. Understanding the distinction between on-base federal permitting and off-base civilian permitting matters for Colorado Springs military market installers.

Colorado Springs Solar Permit Services

CSU Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Colorado Springs AHJs.

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Colorado Springs Residential Solar Permit Design

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2021 (CO). CSU interconnection package — formatted for CSU application, not Xcel. CSU rebate documentation notes. City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County AHJ confirmed. Battery (NEC 2020 Article 706) where included.

NEC 2020CSU InterconnectionCSU Rebate

Residential Solar Permit Design Services →

🏗️

Colorado Springs Commercial Solar Permit Design

Commercial rooftop and carport drawings for El Paso County. NEC 2020, IBC 2021. CSU commercial interconnection. Colorado Springs’ military, aerospace, and defense contractor sector creates commercial solar demand. PE stamp. Front Range ASCE 7 wind calcs including Rocky Mountain exposure.

IBC 2021Front Range WindPE Stamp

Commercial Solar Permit Design Services →

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Colorado Springs Battery Permit Plans

Solar-paired and standalone battery permit drawings. NEC 2020 Article 706. CSU storage interconnection. Colorado Springs’ active-duty military and veteran population — familiar with energy resilience and grid independence — makes battery a strong local sale. Rocky Mountain weather events create battery resilience demand.

NEC 2020 Art.706Military MarketCSU Storage

Battery Storage Permit Design Services →

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Colorado Springs EV Charger Permit Design

EV charger permit drawings for El Paso County. NEC 2020 Article 625, load calculations. Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, and the broader military community drive government fleet EV demand. Civilian EV adoption strong in Colorado Springs’ tech and defense contractor workforce.

NEC 2020 Art.625Military FleetLoad Calcs

EV Charger Permit Design Services →

Colorado Springs Solar Market — 2026

Four Things That Define Solar in Colorado Springs.

CSU NEM

Net Metering Protected October 2025 — City Council Voted 5-4 to Keep It

CSU proposed adding a demand charge to solar customer bills in its 2026 rate case. The Colorado Springs City Council voted 5-4 in October 2025 to remove the net metering changes. CSU solar customers in 2026 remain on full retail rate net metering with no demand charge. Net metering in Colorado Springs is policy-protected, not legally mandated — the October 2025 vote was a close decision that future councils could revisit.

$0.10/W Rebate

CSU Solar Rebate — $0.10 Per Watt Installed · 15kW Residential Cap · $100 Fee

CSU pays $0.10 per watt installed for new residential solar systems, capped at 15kW. The interconnection application fee is $100 for residential systems. Systems must be sized to no more than 120% of prior 12-month usage. The rebate is paid after installation and inspection sign-off. Colorado Springs installers should include CSU rebate application documentation in the project delivery package.

Military

Highest Concentration of Military Installations in the US — Large Residential and Commercial Market

Colorado Springs hosts Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, and NORAD/NORTHCOM HQ — one of the highest concentrations of military installations in the US. Active-duty personnel and veterans are a major residential solar demographic. Military familiarity with energy resilience and grid independence makes battery plus solar a natural conversation. Government facility and defense contractor commercial solar also creates meaningful pipeline.

Solar Resource

300+ Sunny Days — Strong Solar Resource at Rocky Mountain Elevation

Colorado Springs averages 300 or more sunny days per year with peak sun hours comparable to Denver. High elevation reduces atmospheric interference and increases UV index — solar panels produce more electricity per rated watt than at sea level. The combination of strong solar resource, CSU net metering, and the $0.10/W rebate makes Colorado Springs solar economically attractive for both residential and commercial customers.

AHJ Solar Permit Design Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — CSU Interconnection Formatted.

We cover City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County. CSU interconnection formatted — not Xcel.

Jurisdiction	Utility	Permit Type	Key Notes	Review Time
City of Colorado Springs	CSU	Bldg + Elec	COS Development Services · CSU interconnection · $0.10/W rebate available	2–4 weeks
El Paso County (unincorp.)	CSU / MVEA	County Bldg + Elec	El Paso County Building · Some rural areas Mountain View Electric Assn	2–4 weeks
Fountain (south)	CSU	Bldg + Elec	City of Fountain Building · CSU territory · Own department	2–3 weeks
Manitou Springs	CSU	Bldg + Elec	City of Manitou Springs · CSU territory · Historic area review may apply	2–3 weeks
Woodland Park (Teller County)	MVEA	Bldg + Elec	Teller County Building · Mountain View Electric Assn territory	2–4 weeks
Fort Carson (on base)	Federal	Federal Permitting	Federal installation · Army Corps permits · Separate from civilian AHJ process	Varies
Peterson / Schriever SFB	Federal	Federal Permitting	Space Force installations · Federal permitting authority	Varies

References: Colorado Springs Utilities Solar · COS Development Services

What You Get

Solar Permit Package Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs Solar Permit Plan Sets. CSU Ready.

Cover Sheet — Colorado Springs PV Permit Plans

NEC 2020 · IBC/IRC 2021 (CO) · Colorado Springs AHJ · CSU utility

Site Plan

Meter and CSU interconnection access · ASCE 7 local wind values · Applicable wind zone

Roof Layout

Colorado Springs rooftop conditions · Array diagram · Pitch, azimuth, setbacks · IFC fire access paths

Single-Line Diagram

NEC 2020 §690.12 rapid shutdown · Battery (Article 706) where included · CSU bidirectional meter

Structural Calculations

IBC/IRC 2021 (CO) · ASCE 7 local wind loads · Gravity and lateral loads · PE stamp for commercial

Rapid Shutdown + Labels

NEC 2020 §690.12 · Battery shutdown interface (Article 706)

Equipment Datasheets + CSU Interconnection Package

UL-listed module, inverter, racking, and battery datasheets · CSU interconnection application · State solar incentive notes

Colorado Springs Plan Set — 24 Hours.

CSU Interconnection · NEC 2020 · All Colorado Springs AHJs

Order Now → Contact Us

How It Works

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Colorado Springs AHJ Ready.

📋

Submit the Project

Share address, specs, and design. We confirm the AHJ, CSU interconnection, and NEC 2020 format.

5 minutes

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We Build the Plan Set

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2021 (CO). Colorado Springs AHJ formatted. CSU interconnection package. Battery where included.

24–48 hours

✅

Submit Permit + Interconnection

Submit City of Colorado Springs or El Paso County permit and CSU interconnection simultaneously. CSU interconnection: 4 to 8 weeks. $100 CSU app fee. Free revisions for any AHJ correction.

Free revisions

🛡️

The Permit Design Commitment

Solar permit services in Colorado Springs — what every installer and EPC gets.

✓AHJ confirmed per address before we build

✓CSU interconnection package included

✓24–48 hour delivery on standard residential projects

✓NEC 2020 formatted for CO — not California NEC 2026

✓Free revisions for any AHJ correction on our design

Start Free Trial →

First plan set free.
Licensed installers & EPCs only.

FAQ

Questions Colorado Springs Installers Ask Us

No. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) is a completely separate municipal utility — an enterprise of the City of Colorado Springs, independent from Xcel Energy. The solar programs, net metering terms, interconnection process, rebates, and rate structures are different. Xcel’s Solar*Rewards program does not apply in CSU territory. Xcel interconnection applications submitted to CSU are rejected.

CSU proposed adding a demand charge to solar bills in its 2026 rate case, which would have added $25 to $50 per month for solar customers. The Colorado Springs City Council voted 5-4 in October 2025 to remove the net metering changes. CSU customers remain on full retail rate net metering with no demand charge in 2026.

CSU pays $0.10 per watt installed for new residential solar systems, capped at 15kW. $100 interconnection application fee. Systems must be sized to no more than 120% of prior 12-month usage. Rebate paid after inspection sign-off.

NEC 2020 (Colorado statewide adoption).

Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, and NORAD/NORTHCOM HQ create one of the highest concentrations of military installations in the US — driving government facility solar, EV fleet, and a large active-duty and veteran residential solar market.

Yes — City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and surrounding communities. Federal installation projects handled separately. Mountain View Electric Assn territory confirmed per address for rural El Paso County.

Most Colorado Springs residential plan sets ship in 24 to 48 hours. Battery same day. Commercial: 3 to 5 business days. Rush available.

Nearby Cities

🏔️ Denver ⛰️ Salt Lake City 🏜 Albuquerque 📍 Colorado →

Our Services

🏠 Residential Solar 🏗️ Commercial Solar 🔋 Battery Storage 🚗 EV Charger

⚡

Reviewed by the Permit Design Engineering Team — Licensed PE CSU as separate municipal utility from Xcel confirmed. CSU net metering protected by City Council 5-4 vote October 2025 confirmed. CSU $0.10/W rebate and 15kW cap confirmed from CSU solar program documentation. NEC 2020 Colorado adoption confirmed. IBC/IRC 2021 Colorado confirmed. Military installation presence (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, NORAD) confirmed. Last reviewed July 2026.

NEC 2020CSU Municipal UtilityNot Xcel EnergyNet Metering Protected Oct 2025Colorado Springs Solar Drafting ServicesColorado Springs Solar CAD ServicesJuly 2026

Colorado Springs Solar Permit Design.
CSU — Not Xcel. Municipal Utility. Net Metering Protected Oct 2025.

CSU Net Metering Was Protected by a 5-4 City Council Vote in October 2025. $0.10/W Rebate. 15kW Residential Cap. Installers Who Work Denver Must Use a Completely Different Program for Colorado Springs.

Wrong Utility Application. CSU Rebate Documentation Missing. Military Market Needs Specific Handling.

CSU Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Colorado Springs AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — CSU Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs Solar Permit Plan Sets. CSU Ready.

Colorado Springs Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Colorado Springs AHJ Ready.

Questions Colorado Springs Installers Ask Us

Colorado Springs Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

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Colorado Springs Solar Permit Design.CSU — Not Xcel. Municipal Utility. Net Metering Protected Oct 2025.

CSU Net Metering Was Protected by a 5-4 City Council Vote in October 2025. $0.10/W Rebate. 15kW Residential Cap. Installers Who Work Denver Must Use a Completely Different Program for Colorado Springs.

Wrong Utility Application. CSU Rebate Documentation Missing. Military Market Needs Specific Handling.

CSU Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Colorado Springs AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — CSU Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs Solar Permit Plan Sets. CSU Ready.

Colorado Springs Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Colorado Springs AHJ Ready.

Questions Colorado Springs Installers Ask Us

Colorado Springs Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

Colorado Springs Solar Permit Design.
CSU — Not Xcel. Municipal Utility. Net Metering Protected Oct 2025.