What is the Xcel Solar*Rewards program?

Solar*Rewards is Xcel's production incentive program that pays an additional ~2 cents per kilowatt-hour for all solar production (not just exports) for a 20-year term. As of 2026, the program has evolved and focuses primarily on income-qualified and disproportionately impacted community customers. Standard-income Xcel customers without qualifying status may not be eligible for the incentive component but still benefit from full retail net metering.

What electrical code does Denver use for solar in 2026?

Denver and surrounding Colorado jurisdictions use NEC 2020 as the working electrical standard for solar permits.

What Colorado solar incentives apply in Denver?

Colorado has a sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Full retail rate net metering through Xcel Energy is the primary economic driver. Federal 25D residential tax credit expired December 31, 2025.

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.

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Denver Metro · NEC 2020 · Xcel Energy · Full Retail Net Metering

Denver Solar Permit Design.
Xcel Energy Full Retail Net Metering. Multiple Metro AHJs · Confirm Per Address.

Denver solar permit drawings for City of Denver and all Denver metro AHJs. Xcel Energy (Public Service Company of Colorado) offers full retail rate net metering — one of the strongest net metering policies in the US. The Denver metro has many separate building departments: AHJ confirmed per address. NEC 2020. Colorado sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Free for first-time clients.

⚡ Order Your Denver Plan Set Xcel Net Metering + Denver AHJs ↓

Full Retail NEM Xcel Energy · 1:1 net metering credit

NEC 2020 Colorado standard

Multiple AHJs Confirmed per address

Free AHJ revisions

Full RetailXcel Energy 1:1 net metering · One of the best in the US

Many AHJsDenver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial + more

300 DaysSunny days/yr · 5.5+ peak sun hours at elevation

24–48 hrStandard plan set delivery

2026 CodesElectrical: NEC 2020 (Colorado)Structural: IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 (Colorado amendments)Utility: Xcel Energy · Full retail rate net meteringMetro AHJs: Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada + moreLast verified July 2026

Xcel Energy Full Retail Net Metering — One of the Strongest in the US

Every Kilowatt-Hour of Solar You Export Earns Full Retail Credit. Denver Solar ROI Is Strong and Getting Stronger With Each Xcel Rate Increase. Multiple Metro AHJs — Confirm Before You Build.

Colorado law requires Xcel Energy to offer full retail rate net metering — every kilowatt-hour exported earns credit at the same rate you pay for grid electricity, roughly 14 to 15 cents per kWh. This is one of the strongest net metering policies in the United States. Xcel filed for a ~10% rate increase effective August 2026, which further increases the value of self-consumed solar. The Denver metro also has many separate building departments — City of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada, and more — each with its own permit process.

Xcel Energy — Full Retail Rate Net Metering in Denver Metro

✅Colorado law requires Xcel to credit solar exports at full retail electricity rate

✅Current Xcel retail rate: ~14–15¢/kWh · Every exported kWh earns full retail credit

✅Xcel rate increase of ~10% filed for August 2026 — rising rates increase solar ROI

✅Xcel interconnection application: submit simultaneously with building permit

⚠️Some Denver metro addresses served by other utilities — confirm per address

Multiple Denver Metro AHJs · NEC 2020 · Colorado Solar Tax Exemption

⚠️City of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada, Thornton, Westminster — each has own building dept

⚠️Same Xcel utility across most of metro, but AHJ varies by address

✅All use NEC 2020 under Colorado amendments

✅Colorado sales tax exemption on solar energy equipment

✅No PE stamp required for standard residential rooftop solar in Colorado

⚠️ Denver metro address does not determine the building department. An address in Aurora routes to Aurora Building, not City of Denver. An address in Lakewood routes to Lakewood, not Denver. We confirm the AHJ per address before building every Denver metro plan set.

Why Denver Installers Outsource

Wrong Building Department. High-Wind Mountain Structural Calcs Missing. Hail Zone Module Specs Needed.

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Routing Aurora or Lakewood to City of Denver Building Department

City of Denver Building and Safety only covers addresses within Denver city limits. Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada, Thornton, Westminster, Englewood, Broomfield, and Littleton each have separate building departments. Routing to City of Denver for a Lakewood address generates immediate rejection. AHJ lookup is mandatory before any plan set work for every Denver metro project.

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Front Range Hail and Wind — Module Specs and Structural Calcs Matter

Denver sits in an active hail zone on the Front Range. Hail events above 1.5 inches are common; events above 2 inches occur multiple times per decade. IEC 61215 module impact ratings and ASCE 7 Front Range wind values are meaningful for Denver solar. Commercial ground-mount systems in open terrain west of Denver face higher wind exposure categories that require specific structural methodology.

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Denver’s High Elevation Increases Solar Production — And Changes Some Code References

Denver sits at 5,280 feet. UV index is higher, ambient temperatures are lower, and storm intensity is different from sea-level markets. Solar production is approximately 5 to 10% higher than a lower-elevation system in the same climate region. Some inverter de-rating calculations and temperature coefficient references need elevation-aware inputs for Denver plan sets to be accurate.

Denver Solar Permit Services

Xcel Energy Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Denver AHJs.

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Denver Residential Solar Permit Design

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2021 (CO). Xcel Energy interconnection package. AHJ confirmed per address — Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, or suburb. Front Range wind zone structural calcs. Battery (NEC 2020 Article 706) where included. Colorado sales tax exemption note.

NEC 2020Xcel InterconnectionFront Range Calcs

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Denver Commercial Solar Permit Design

Commercial rooftop and carport drawings for Denver metro. NEC 2020, IBC 2021. Xcel commercial interconnection. Denver’s large tech, energy, and corporate campus market creates strong commercial solar demand. PE stamp. Front Range ASCE 7 calcs including elevated wind exposure for mountain-adjacent sites.

IBC 2021Front Range WindPE Stamp

Commercial Solar Permit Design Services →

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Denver Battery Permit Plans

Solar-paired and standalone battery permit drawings. NEC 2020 Article 706, Xcel storage interconnection. Denver’s summer thunderstorm season and occasional grid stress events from heat waves make battery resilience meaningful. Battery maximizes self-consumption at Xcel’s full retail rate rather than exporting.

NEC 2020 Art.706Grid ResilienceXcel TOU

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Denver EV Charger Permit Design

EV charger permit drawings for Denver metro. NEC 2020 Article 625, load calculations. Denver’s tech workforce, outdoor-oriented demographic, and strong EV adoption rate create strong residential Level 2 demand. Commercial fleet EV growing across Denver’s corporate campus and logistics corridor.

NEC 2020 Art.625Tech WorkforceLoad Calcs

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Denver Solar Market — 2026

Four Things That Define Solar in Denver.

Full Retail

Xcel Full Retail Net Metering — One of the Best Policies in the US

Colorado law requires Xcel Energy to credit solar exports at the full retail electricity rate — every kilowatt-hour exported earns the same value as every kilowatt-hour consumed from the grid. The retail rate is approximately 14 to 15 cents per kWh as of 2026. Xcel has filed for a ~10% rate increase effective August 2026. Rising Xcel rates mean the value of self-consumed solar is increasing — making Denver solar more financially attractive each year.

300 Days

300+ Sunny Days and 5.5+ Peak Sun Hours at Elevation

Denver averages 300 or more sunny days per year, and the high elevation of 5,280 feet increases solar irradiance and reduces atmospheric interference. Peak sun hours are approximately 5.5 or more — comparable to Phoenix despite the higher latitude. The combination of strong solar resource and Xcel’s full retail net metering makes Denver one of the best solar markets in the Mountain West.

Multiple AHJs

The Denver Metro Has Many Separate Building Departments — AHJ Is Critical

City of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada, Thornton, Westminster, Littleton, Englewood, and Broomfield each maintain separate building departments with different permit portals, fees, and timelines. The same Xcel utility serves most of the metro, but the AHJ varies by address. We confirm the exact building department for every Denver metro address before building the plan set.

CO Sales Tax

Colorado Sales Tax Exemption on Solar Equipment — No Federal 25D in 2026

Colorado exempts solar energy equipment from state sales tax. This exemption applies to panels, inverters, racking, and associated equipment. The federal residential 25D tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for new homeowner installations in 2026. The Colorado sales tax exemption, combined with Xcel’s full retail net metering, makes Denver solar financially attractive without the federal credit.

AHJ Solar Permit Design Denver

Denver and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Xcel Energy Interconnection Formatted.

We cover City of Denver and all Denver metro jurisdictions. AHJ confirmed per address before we build.

Jurisdiction	Utility	Permit Type	Key Notes	Review Time
City of Denver	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	Denver Building and Safety · Online portal · $350–700 fee · 2–4 week review	2–4 weeks
Aurora	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	City of Aurora Building · 2nd largest CO city · Own department	2–4 weeks
Lakewood	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	City of Lakewood Building · West Denver suburb · Own department	2–3 weeks
Centennial / Lone Tree	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	South metro · Own building departments · Fast review	1–3 weeks
Arvada / Westminster	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	North metro · Own building departments	2–3 weeks
Broomfield / Thornton	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	North metro · Own building departments · Growing residential	2–3 weeks
Littleton / Englewood	Xcel Energy	Bldg + Elec	South metro · Own building departments	2–3 weeks

References: Xcel Solar*Rewards · Denver Community Planning

What You Get

Solar Permit Package Denver — Denver Solar Permit Plan Sets. Xcel Energy Ready.

Cover Sheet — Denver PV Permit Plans

NEC 2020 · IBC/IRC 2021 (CO) · Denver AHJ · Xcel Energy utility

Site Plan

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

Roof Layout

Denver 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 · Xcel Energy 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 + Xcel Energy Interconnection Package

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

Denver Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Xcel Energy Interconnection · NEC 2020 · All Denver AHJs

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How It Works

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Denver AHJ Ready.

📋

Submit the Project

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

5 minutes

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We Build the Plan Set

NEC 2020, IBC/IRC 2021 (CO). Denver AHJ formatted. Xcel Energy interconnection package. Battery where included.

24–48 hours

✅

Submit Permit + Interconnection

Submit City of Denver or suburb building permit and Xcel Energy interconnection simultaneously. Xcel interconnection: 4 to 8 weeks. Free revisions for any AHJ correction on our design.

Free revisions

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The Permit Design Commitment

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

✓AHJ confirmed per address before we build

✓Xcel Energy 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

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First plan set free.
Licensed installers & EPCs only.

FAQ

Questions Denver Installers Ask Us

Yes — Colorado law requires Xcel to credit solar exports at the full retail electricity rate. Every exported kilowatt-hour earns roughly 14 to 15 cents as of 2026. Xcel filed for a ~10% rate increase effective August 2026. This is one of the strongest net metering policies in the US and makes Denver solar ROI compelling without battery storage.

Many — City of Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada, Thornton, Westminster, Littleton, Englewood, Broomfield, and more all maintain separate building departments. We confirm the AHJ per address before building.

Colorado sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Xcel Energy full retail net metering (required by state law). Federal 25D residential credit expired December 31, 2025.

NEC 2020 (Colorado statewide adoption).

Colorado has no statewide PE stamp requirement for standard residential rooftop solar. Most Denver metro AHJs do not require a PE stamp for residential rooftop installations. Commercial and ground-mount projects require PE-stamped structural drawings.

Yes — all Denver metro cities. AHJ confirmed per address for every project.

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

Nearby Cities

🏔️ Colorado Springs ⛰️ Salt Lake City 🎲 Las Vegas 📍 Colorado →

Our Services

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

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Reviewed by the Permit Design Engineering Team — Licensed PE Xcel Energy full retail rate net metering (required by Colorado law) confirmed. Xcel ~10% rate increase filing (August 2026) confirmed. NEC 2020 Colorado statewide adoption confirmed. IBC/IRC 2021 Colorado adoption confirmed. Colorado sales tax exemption on solar equipment confirmed. Federal 25D expiration December 31, 2025 confirmed. Last reviewed July 2026.

NEC 2020Xcel Full Retail Net MeteringColorado Sales Tax ExemptionDenver Solar Drafting ServicesDenver Solar CAD ServicesJuly 2026

Denver Solar Permit Design.
Xcel Energy Full Retail Net Metering. Multiple Metro AHJs · Confirm Per Address.

Every Kilowatt-Hour of Solar You Export Earns Full Retail Credit. Denver Solar ROI Is Strong and Getting Stronger With Each Xcel Rate Increase. Multiple Metro AHJs — Confirm Before You Build.

Wrong Building Department. High-Wind Mountain Structural Calcs Missing. Hail Zone Module Specs Needed.

Xcel Energy Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Denver AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Denver.

Denver and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Xcel Energy Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Denver — Denver Solar Permit Plan Sets. Xcel Energy Ready.

Denver Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Denver AHJ Ready.

Questions Denver Installers Ask Us

Denver Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

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Denver Solar Permit Design.Xcel Energy Full Retail Net Metering. Multiple Metro AHJs · Confirm Per Address.

Every Kilowatt-Hour of Solar You Export Earns Full Retail Credit. Denver Solar ROI Is Strong and Getting Stronger With Each Xcel Rate Increase. Multiple Metro AHJs — Confirm Before You Build.

Wrong Building Department. High-Wind Mountain Structural Calcs Missing. Hail Zone Module Specs Needed.

Xcel Energy Interconnection. NEC 2020. All Denver AHJs.

Four Things That Define Solar in Denver.

Denver and All Surrounding Jurisdictions — Xcel Energy Interconnection Formatted.

Solar Permit Package Denver — Denver Solar Permit Plan Sets. Xcel Energy Ready.

Denver Plan Set — 24 Hours.

Three Steps. 24 Hours. Denver AHJ Ready.

Questions Denver Installers Ask Us

Denver Plan Sets — 24 Hours.

Denver Solar Permit Design.
Xcel Energy Full Retail Net Metering. Multiple Metro AHJs · Confirm Per Address.