Funding is available for the installation of solar systems on commercial properties, including those owned or occupied by for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multifamily housing. Restrictions apply.
Incentive |
Basis for award |
Eligibility |
Limits |
PACE Solar Rebate: Up to $10,000 |
$0.75 per watt based on system capacity |
Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multifamily housing located in Boulder County |
$10,000 cap* |
Nonprofit Solar Equity Grant: Up to $10,000 |
$10,000 per project |
Nonprofit organizations who serve low-income populations in Boulder County |
$10,000 cap*
|
City of Boulder Nonprofit Solar Grant: Up to $35,000 |
$0.80 per watt based on system capacity |
Site-based nonprofits located in the City of Boulder |
$35,000 cap* |
*Each solar incentive (rebate or grant) is limited to 50% of the total project cost after utility incentives are applied. Eligible nonprofits may combine incentives up to 70% of the total project cost.
Organizations may be eligible for one or more of these solar incentives. Funding amounts are determined by organization type, property location, and system capacity. Awards are subject to pre-defined program limits and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible organizations while funding is available.
SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM
General requirements for solar incentives:
- The applicant is the property owner. Applicants who lease their property will also be considered if they have a minimum 3-year lease term remaining and option to renew.
- The property must be free from deed restrictions on PV systems.
- Units must be installed within the bounds of the property premises.
- North-facing roofs do not allow full utilization of sunlight and do not qualify.
- There must be minimal shading by trees, buildings and other structures.
- A list of eligible PV system modules and inverters is available on the California Energy Commission’s website.
- All PV systems must carry a five-year warranty from both the manufacturer and the installer, including parts and labor.
- Rebuilt, used, refurbished or portable equipment does not qualify.
- New construction or major renovations qualify except if solar is required by code or if solar is being added to contribute to code compliance, even if the amount of solar is above code requirements. Exceptions may be considered for nonprofits on a limited basis.
- A no-cost greenhouse gas inventory and facility assessment performed by PACE are required prior to all solar rebate reservations, except multifamily housing and other situations where greenhouse gas inventories are not relevant.
- Properties located in the City of Boulder must be compliant with the Building Performance Ordinance, if applicable based on building size.
PACE Solar Rebate
PACE offers up to $10,000 to qualified for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multifamily housing projects across Boulder County for appropriately sized photovoltaic systems.
Submit an interest form and a PACE Advisor will contact you about your project.
Nonprofit Solar Equity Grant
Boulder County nonprofits serving low-income populations are eligible for a $10,000 equity grant. Nonprofits must meet the following criteria:
- The organization’s core mission serves low-income individuals and families OR the organization is a place of worship with low income services provided directly from the organization.
- The organization is an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in good standing with the State of Colorado.
- The organization is responsible for paying its energy bills.
Submit an interest form and a PACE Advisor will contact you about your project.
City of Boulder Nonprofit Solar Grant
City of Boulder only: Qualified site-based nonprofits located in the City of Boulder are eligible for up to $35,000 in additional project funding. Income-qualified housing that is owned and operated by a nonprofit in the City of Boulder is also eligible.
Submit an interest form and a PACE Advisor will contact you about your project.
City of Boulder Tax Rebate
City of Boulder residents and businesses that have installed solar electric or solar thermal (hot water) systems on their property may be eligible for a sales and use tax rebate. The city may rebate approximately 15 percent of the city sales and use tax paid on materials and permits for the solar installation. To be eligible, taxpayers must file a rebate application within 12 months of the city’s final inspection. The City of Boulder sales and use tax rebate does not impact eligibility for PACE’s solar rebate.