Irrigation country
Highline serves the northeast corner of Colorado — territory in Logan, Weld, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties — plus four Nebraska counties, from its Holyoke headquarters. Irrigation is 52.1% of its energy sales. Pumps that run through sunny summer afternoons are a good match for solar, because production is used on site instead of exported.
How exports are valued
Highline’s posted schedule credits excess generation at the co-op’s average cost of energy from the prior calendar year rather than banking kWh one-for-one, so a kWh you export is worth well under the $0.11/kWh you pay. State law sets a kWh-carryforward floor for co-op net metering; ask Highline how its schedule applies to your system before you size it.
Either way, systems sized to daytime use pay back best. Net metering isn’t available on the time-of-use rate, and there’s a 2,000 kW cap across all members, so apply early if you’re serious.
Wind, hail and big open roofs
Plains homes, shops and grain buildings offer unshaded roofs and space for ground mounts. Hail and high wind are the design constraints; we specify modules and racking for both and confirm insurance coverage before we build.
Highline rules for businesses, farms and nonprofits
Highline net-meters renewable generators up to 25 kW under any rate schedule except time-of-use, sized to offset the member's own use; systems of 25–100 kW are considered case by case by the board based on service capacity and consumption, and the program is first-come, first-served until aggregate member generation reaches 2,000 kW. Excess is credited at Highline's average cost of energy for the prior year — not retail. Since January 2026 even small commercial service carries a $1.00/kW demand component; Large Power pays $17.02/kW, and irrigation pumping is billed per horsepower. Highline is a Tri-State member with no solar rebate.
Demand charges are the part of a commercial bill panels alone don't reliably cut, which is why our commercial proposals in Highline territory usually model a peak-shaving battery alongside the array. County-by-county detail is on our commercial pages.
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
Rebates and on-bill repayment
Status unconfirmedHighline lists EV charger rebates and on-bill repayment; no solar or battery rebates. Confirm EV amounts with the co-op.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Can I be on Highline’s time-of-use rate with solar?
No. Highline’s net-metering schedule isn’t available to members on a time-of-use rate.
What does Highline charge to set up net metering?
$50 for a sizing and payback analysis and $350 for the net meter installation.
Is there a limit on how many members can net-meter?
Yes — 2,000 kW across all members, first-come, first-served. Capacity is reserved for one year after you sign the interconnection agreement.
Does solar make sense for irrigation on Highline?
Often it does, when pumps run during daylight and use the power directly. Above 25 kW, Highline’s board decides case by case, so we start with a conversation with the co-op.