Energize Denver and your building
Denver’s building performance policy requires buildings of 25,000 square feet and larger to benchmark energy use and meet efficiency targets, and the city publishes separate guidance for buildings from 5,000 to 24,999 square feet. On-site solar is among the recognized ways to meet requirements. Check the city’s Energize Denver pages for your building’s specific obligations; we can help you model what share solar could cover.
Timing the federal credit
Commercial solar can still claim §48E, but the window is closing: projects that didn’t begin construction by July 4, 2026 generally must be placed in service by the end of 2027. A 2025 IRS safe-harbor notice was vacated by a federal court in June 2026, and its appeal status is unresolved, so talk to your tax advisor before relying on any start-of-construction position.
100% bonus depreciation has been restored for qualifying property. How it applies to your business is a question for your CPA.
Demand charges on Xcel commercial rates
Many Denver commercial bills include demand charges based on your highest usage interval. Solar alone often doesn’t reduce demand much, since a cloudy afternoon can erase the benefit; pairing it with storage for peak shaving is where the demand line moves. We model both from your interval data.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Does solar count toward Energize Denver compliance?
On-site solar is one of the paths the city recognizes. The details depend on your building size and category, so confirm with the city’s Energize Denver guidance or help desk.
What’s the federal deadline for commercial solar in Denver?
Under current rules, projects that didn’t start construction by July 4, 2026 generally must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 for §48E. Storage has a longer runway through 2033.
Can a Denver flat-roof building hold solar?
Usually, with ballasted or attached racking designed for the roof’s structure and wind exposure. Roof age matters most; we assess it first and can reroof in the same project.
Will solar lower my Xcel demand charges?
Only somewhat on its own. Storage sized for peak shaving is what reliably lowers the demand line.