Land use and design review
Solar is allowed by right in most Eagle County zone districts, but systems over 80 kW need a special use permit, and Backcountry parcels require special use approval for any solar. Inside Vail, Avon and the other towns, design review often governs placement on visible roofs.
Winter-heavy loads
Resort businesses peak in winter, when days are short and valley walls cut sun hours — the opposite of solar’s peak. That doesn’t kill the economics, but it shifts value toward net metering and storage. Holy Cross’s battery programs apply to commercial members too; confirm terms for your account.
Federal timeline
As of September 2026, commercial solar generally must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 to claim §48E unless construction began by July 4, 2026; storage retains eligibility through 2033 construction starts. Ask your CPA about bonus depreciation.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Do I need a special use permit for commercial solar in Eagle County?
Only for systems over 80 kW, or for any system in the Backcountry district. Town projects follow town rules and design review.
Does solar make sense for a ski-season business?
It can, but winter-heavy loads mean more energy is banked in summer and used in winter. Holy Cross’s net metering up to 200% of prior use helps; storage can add resilience and demand savings.
Will town design review limit where panels go on a Vail or Avon building?
Often it shapes placement on visible roofs. We submit layouts to design review early so the engineering doesn’t have to be redone.