Right-size for self-consumption
Midday exports earn the off-peak rate in effect when they leave your home, and on-peak power costs at least three times that. The more of your solar you use directly — daytime cooling, a work-from-home office, an EV charging at noon — the more each panel is worth.
Fort Collins allows owned systems up to 12 kW or 200% of usage, but hitting the cap usually means exporting a lot at low value. We model production hour by hour against your time-of-day rate before recommending a size.
Collecting the rebate
The solar rebate is $300 per kW-DC with a 0.5 kW minimum and a $1,500 maximum, so it maxes out at 5 kW. It requires a Participating Solar Contractor, CEC-listed equipment, a shading analysis if the array sees shade between 9 am and 3 pm, and installation within six months.
Leased vs. owned sizing
Leased systems in Fort Collins face a tighter size limit — the larger of 7.2 kW or 120% of usage — than owned systems. If a lease or PPA is your best financial route after the federal homeowner credit ended, we design within that limit from the start.
Utility type
Municipal utility
Wholesale: Platte River Power Authority
How exports are credited
Exports credited at the time-of-day rate when sent
System size limit
Owned: 12 kW or 200% of usage; leased: the larger of 7.2 kW or 120%.
Net metering, in plain English
Exported solar is credited at the time-of-day rate in effect when the energy leaves your home, and on-peak prices are at least three times off-peak. Midday exports therefore earn less than evening power costs. Owned systems can be up to 12 kW or 200% of usage; leased systems are limited to the larger of 7.2 kW or 120%.
Time-of-use: Fort Collins residential customers are billed on time-of-day rates, with on-peak energy at least three times the off-peak price. Check the current seasonal on-peak hours on the city’s rate pages.
FAQ
Questions we hear
How much is the Fort Collins solar rebate in 2026?
$300 per kW-DC, with a 0.5 kW minimum and a $1,500 maximum. Combined with a battery rebate, the total cap is $7,500. Confirm program budget and deadlines before you sign.
Does Fort Collins pay full retail for my extra solar?
No. Exports are credited at the time-of-day rate active when they leave your house — usually off-peak at midday.
How big can a solar system be in Fort Collins?
Owned systems: up to 12 kW or 200% of usage. Leased systems: the larger of 7.2 kW or 120% of usage.
Do I have to use a specific installer for the Fort Collins rebate?
Yes, the installer must be a Fort Collins Participating Solar Contractor. Ask for proof of current status.