Solar Rebates and Grants

PACE offers rebates and grants for businesses and nonprofits in Boulder County who install solar PV systems. The City of Boulder also offers a solar grant and tax rebate for eligible businesses and nonprofits in the City.

Please complete the PACE Solar Incentives Interest Form to apply for the PACE Solar Rebate, PACE Nonprofit Solar Equity Grant, or City of Boulder Nonprofit Solar Grant. A PACE advisor will then be in touch to help with next steps. Complete the City of Boulder Solar Sales and Use Tax Rebate form to apply for that incentive.

If you have questions about any of these incentives, you can email PACE at info@pacepartners.com or call us at 303-786-7223.

PACE Solar Rebate

PACE offers a rebate for the installation of solar PV systems for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multifamily housing located in Boulder County.

Rebate Details and Limits:

  • $0.75 per watt based on system capacity, limit $10,000
  • Standard Rebate: Up to 50% of the total project cost after utility incentives are applied
  • Eligible Nonprofit Rebate: Up to 70% of the total project cost, may combine incentives

Awards are subject to pre-defined program limits and available on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible organizations while funding is available.

PACE Nonprofit Solar Equity Grant

PACE offers a solar grant for nonprofit organizations in Boulder County that serve frontline community members: people that are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to factors including income, race, language, age, documentation status, disability, and more.

Grant Details:

  • $10,000 per project
  • Up to 70% of project costs
  • Limit one grant ($10,000)

Organizations must meet the following criteria to apply:

  • Operating in an Equity Priority Building
  • Be an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in good standing with the State of Colorado
  • Be responsible for paying its energy bills

Awards are subject to pre-defined program limits and available on a first-come-first-served basis to eligible organizations while funding is available.

City of Boulder Nonprofit Solar Grant

The City of Boulder offers a grant for site-based nonprofits in the City of Boulder. Income-qualified housing that is owned and operated by a nonprofit in the City of Boulder is also eligible.

Grant Details:

  • $0.80 per watt based on system capacity
  • Up to 70% of project costs
  • Limit $35,000

Submit an Interest Form

Please complete the PACE Solar Incentives Interest Form to apply for the PACE Solar Rebate, PACE Nonprofit Solar Equity Grant, or City of Boulder Nonprofit Solar Grant. A PACE advisor will then be in touch to help with next steps. If you have questions about any of these incentives, you can email PACE at info@pacepartners.com or call us at 303-786-7223.

Complete the Solar Incentives Interest Form

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 also be eligible for a sales and use tax rebate. The city may rebate approximately 15% 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.

File a Rebate Application with the City of Boulder

Additional Requirements

Businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Owner lives in Colorado
  • Business is located in Boulder County
  • Business has been in operation for a minimum of two years
  • Owner manages and/or works day-to-day operations and makes long-term decisions
  • Business pays utility bill
  • Total operating square footage is 2,500 square feet or less
  • 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
  • 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 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 PACE assessment is required prior to all solar rebate reservations
  • Properties located in the City of Boulder must be compliant with the Building Performance Ordinance, if applicable based on building size

Minority-owned businesses are highly encouraged to apply. If you do not meet all the above criteria and would like to be considered, please fill out and submit the interest form and include detailed information in the exception request section.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us at 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com.