Self-consumption for CORE members
A 12 or 14 kW system on a large Castle Rock or Parker home will export a lot of midday power. Above CORE’s 10 kW net-metering limit, that power is credited at avoided cost rather than offset one-for-one. A battery captures that midday surplus and runs the house through the evening, turning low-value exports into avoided retail purchases.
The alternative is staying at 10 kW AC or below and keeping full net metering. We model both options against your usage so you can see which one pays better.
Xcel customers in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree
On Xcel’s time-of-use rate, the battery’s job is covering the 5–9 pm weekday peak, and Xcel’s Renewable Battery Connect program has offered upfront incentives for letting Xcel dispatch the battery a limited number of times a year. Check current amounts, which have stepped down.
Backup along the forest edge
Homes in Sedalia, Perry Park and the western foothills sit in wildfire country, and some rely on wells. A battery sized for the well pump’s start-up surge, the furnace blower and the refrigerator is a practical resilience upgrade there. As of September 2026, Colorado’s 10% battery income-tax credit applies through tax year 2026; verify current terms.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Should I keep my CORE system under 10 kW or go bigger with a battery?
It depends on your usage. Staying at or below 10 kW AC keeps full net metering; going larger with a battery can work for high-use homes. We run both scenarios before recommending one.
How much is an exported kWh worth on CORE above 10 kW?
CORE’s avoided cost — $0.04616 per kWh as of May 2026, recalculated annually. That’s far below what you pay for a kWh from CORE.
Does a battery help in Highlands Ranch?
Yes, as a time-of-use tool on Xcel, shifting solar into the 5–9 pm weekday peak, with backup as a bonus.
Can a battery run a well pump in Perry Park?
Usually, if the inverter is sized for the pump’s start-up surge. We check the pump before quoting.
Does CORE offer a battery rebate?
Ask CORE for its current programs. We only count incentives we can confirm are open.