Sizing inside PVREA’s cap
We start from your last 12 months of PVREA usage. A home using 10,000 kWh a year can install up to roughly 12,000 kWh of expected production, which in northern Colorado is usually about 7.5–8 kW of panels. At $2.80–$3.25 per watt, that’s around $21,000–$26,000 before anything else.
Because the April 1 true-up pays about a third of the retail energy rate, we aim closer to 100% of your use than 120%, unless you’re adding load soon.
What the bill looks like after
Solar offsets the $0.09108/kWh energy charge and the small power cost adjustment. The $24.50 fixed charge and the $1.00/kW demand charge remain, so expect a smaller bill, not a zero one.
Owned systems finished after 2025 get no federal credit; a lease or PPA may still carry §48E value if placed in service by the end of 2027 (as of September 2026; verify current terms).
Utility type
Electric cooperative
Wholesale: Tri-State Generation and Transmission
How exports are credited
Exports banked 1:1 as kWh credits
System size limit
Lesser of 25 kW or 120% of the last 12 months’ usage
Net metering, in plain English
Rooftop systems must be under 25 kW or 120% of the twelve-month historical usage at the meter, whichever is less. Surplus credits bank month to month and are trued up once a year on April 1 at the Tariff NP (Net Metering) rate. A $255 net-metering application fee applies. Systems over 25 kW AC are not eligible for net metering and must either self-consume without export or sell all output to PVREA under Schedule DG.
Time-of-use: 2026 standard residential (Schedule A): $24.50/month, $0.09108/kWh, $1.00/kW demand, plus a $0.0015/kWh power cost adjustment. Optional time-of-use (ATOU): $24.50/month, $0.18800/kWh on-peak, $0.05464/kWh off-peak, $1.00/kW demand.
Sources & dated facts
- Colorado law (C.R.S. 40-9.5-118) requires every electric co-op to offer net metering to systems of at least 10 kW residential and 25 kW commercial, carry excess kWh forward month to month one-for-one, and credit any annual excess within 60 days.As of Sep 23, 2026
- PVREA rooftop solar must be under 25 kW or 120% of the twelve-month historical usage at the metering point, whichever is less; the net-metering application fee is $255.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- PVREA trues up unused energy credits annually on April 1 under Tariff NP; the 2026 annual true-up rate is $0.03361/kWh.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- Generation larger than 25 kW AC is not eligible for PVREA’s net-metering rate; DG Level II/III projects must either use all output on site with no export or sell all output to PVREA at the Schedule DG rate.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- PVREA serves Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties; Tri-State is its wholesale power supplier.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
FAQ
Questions we hear
How big can my solar system be on PVREA?
Under 25 kW or 120% of your meter’s last 12 months of usage, whichever is less. For most homes, the 120% limit is the one that applies.
What does PVREA pay for leftover solar credits?
Credits bank month to month; whatever remains on April 1 is paid at the Tariff NP rate, $0.03361/kWh in 2026.
Is there a fee to connect solar to PVREA?
Yes — a one-time $255 net-metering application fee. We include it in your quote.
I’m just outside Fort Collins. Can I get the city’s solar rebate?
Only if Fort Collins Utilities actually serves your address. Many homes outside city service are on PVREA, which doesn’t offer those city rebates. Your bill tells you which one you have.