Value of solar, in plain terms
Under value-of-solar, every kWh you use directly from your panels saves you the full retail price, but every kWh you export earns a lower credit. That makes Longmont the clearest case in Colorado for sizing solar to your daytime usage rather than your annual total.
We don’t have a confirmed current credit rate to quote here; LPC publishes it on its residential and commercial rate pages. We pull the live number into every Longmont proposal.
If you already have solar from before 2025
Retail-based credits continue through January 2040 for systems installed before January 1, 2025. LPC applies value-of-solar to customers who expand their systems after that date, so talk to LPC before adding panels to a grandfathered system. Ask separately how adding a battery is treated; we check before designing.
Inside vs. outside city limits
LPC serves some addresses outside Longmont’s city limits. Inside the city (which includes every LPC address in Weld County), permits go through the Longmont Building Department. Outside the city in Boulder County, the permit goes through Boulder County and the interconnection application goes directly to LPC’s field engineering staff.
No rebate, but a clear design brief
LPC doesn’t offer a rooftop solar rebate. What it does offer is a clear signal: use your own power. That points toward right-sized arrays, batteries that shift midday surplus into the evening, and daytime loads like EV charging and water heating.
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.
Renewable Power Purchase Program
OpenLPC’s option for renters and for properties that aren’t a good fit for panels: subscribe to renewable power through the utility instead of installing.
- LPC points renters and unsuitable properties to its Renewable Power Purchase Program.(source)
Plug-in solar (from January 1, 2027)
OpenFollowing HB26-1007, plug-in “balcony” solar up to 1,920 watts is allowed in Longmont from January 1, 2027, with a notification instead of a permit. Plug-in systems earn no bill credit.
- Plug-in solar ≤1,920 W allowed from 2027-01-01; one per address; NRTL-listed (UL 3700); notification required; no interconnection and no bill credit.(source)
Efficiency Works
OpenEnergy advisors, assessments and efficiency rebates for LPC customers — LPC recommends starting here before sizing solar.
- LPC customers are served by Efficiency Works.(source)
FAQ
Questions we hear
What is Longmont’s value-of-solar credit?
A bill credit for exported solar that LPC sets below the retail rate. It applies to systems installed or expanded after January 1, 2025.
I installed solar in Longmont before 2025. Does anything change?
Your credits stay based on the retail rate through January 2040, unless you expand the system — expansions after January 1, 2025 fall under value-of-solar.
Can I install plug-in solar in Longmont?
From January 1, 2027, plug-in systems up to 1,920 watts are allowed with a notification of installation. They don’t earn a bill credit.
Who approves solar outside Longmont city limits on LPC power?
Boulder County issues the permit, and LPC’s field engineering staff reviews the interconnection application.
Why is my fixed charge higher after going solar in Longmont?
LPC bills self-generation customers a higher fixed customer charge and a lower energy charge, so distribution costs are covered even when you buy fewer kWh.