A 30¢ spread changes the battery math
On Off-Peak Plus, moving 10 kWh a day from the 5–9 p.m. window to off-peak saves roughly $3 a day. Over about 310 Monday-to-Saturday days, that’s on the order of $900 a year — several times what the same battery saves on most Colorado rates. It’s still a long payback on a $15,500–$19,000 battery, but it’s a real one.
The catch is discipline: at 38.21¢, running the dryer or charging an EV at 6 p.m. without a battery is expensive. The rate has a 12-month minimum, so we model your actual usage before you switch.
Financing through the co-op
SIEA’s Shift to Save program offers 0% on-bill financing for home batteries, with or without solar, for up to 10 years if your credit score is above 650. Compared with 7.74–8.99% loans, that’s a significant difference over a decade. You must be on Off-Peak Plus to participate.
Solar and the May payout
Solar surplus goes into a kWh bank that rolls until May; if it’s worth more than $25 after April billing, SIEA mails a check at avoided cost. Pair that with Off-Peak Plus and a battery, and the design goal is simple: use solar and stored energy during 5–9 p.m., and export as little as possible.
SIEA rules for businesses, farms and nonprofits
San Isabel's rules (tariff book approved June 20, 2025) limit generation-only systems to 25 kW AC for commercial and industrial members and to 120% of 12-month usage, with new construction limited to 15 kW commercial. Pair the array with storage and the ceiling rises to 50 kW AC for commercial, subject to SIEA approval and storage sized to at least a third of nameplate. Monthly kWh roll 1:1 and the April true-up pays leftovers at SIEA's avoided cost; the co-op also caps net metering at 1% of its aggregate peak demand. Single-phase commercial has no demand charge; loads over 50 kW are demand-billed (published $/kW not verified). SIEA states plainly that it offers no rebates for renewables.
Demand charges are the part of a commercial bill panels alone don't reliably cut, which is why our commercial proposals in SIEA 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.
Shift to Save home battery program
OpenBatteries with or without solar, financed on-bill at 0% for up to 10 years for members with a credit score above 650; requires the Off-Peak Plus rate.
- Shift to Save: 0% on-bill financing up to 10 years (credit score above 650); payments typically under $125/month; requires Off-Peak Plus; combined battery and renewables capacity up to 25 kWh as written.(source)
Level 2 EV charger rebate
OpenTemporarily increased: up to $3,000 for households at 80–150% of area median income, up to $1,500 for others, covering up to 50% of cost; requires Off-Peak Plus.
- Level 2 charger rebate up to $3,000 (80–150% AMI) or $1,500 (others), up to 50% of cost; travel fees reimbursed up to $150; part of Shift to Save (Off-Peak Plus required).(source)
FAQ
Questions we hear
What is San Isabel Electric’s Off-Peak Plus rate?
A time-of-use rate open to any member: 38.21¢/kWh from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday–Saturday; off-peak 8.84¢ for the first 1,000 kWh and 6.29¢ after. It has a 12-month minimum.
Can I finance a home battery through SIEA?
Yes. Shift to Save offers 0% on-bill financing for up to 10 years with a credit score above 650, if you’re on Off-Peak Plus.
How much is SIEA’s EV charger rebate?
Up to $3,000 for households at 80–150% of area median income and up to $1,500 for others, covering up to 50% of cost, while the temporary increase lasts. Off-Peak Plus is required.
When does SIEA pay for extra solar?
In May. If your kWh bank is worth more than $25 at the end of April billing, SIEA mails a check at its avoided cost; smaller balances become a bill credit.