How we size a United Power system
We pull 12 months of your usage and target roughly 90–100% of it, not the 200% United Power allows. At $2.80–$3.25 per watt, an 8 kW system — common for a newer suburban home — runs around $22,400–$26,000.
Remember that the fixed charge and the demand charge remain. We model those separately so the savings figure you see is the energy portion you can actually eliminate.
Canyon and plains homes are different jobs
Out east, open roofs and ground-mount space are easy; wind exposure and hail drive our racking and module choice. In Coal Creek and Golden Gate canyons, shading and snow load dominate, and a ground mount on a clear slope sometimes beats a shaded roof.
Utility type
Electric cooperative
Wholesale: Guzman Energy (15-year contract from May 2024, about one-third of supply) plus its own and contracted resources; left Tri-State May 1, 2024
How exports are credited
Exports banked 1:1 as kWh credits
System size limit
≤200% of annual usage; standard process covers inverter-based systems up to 25 kW
Net metering, in plain English
Excess kWh roll into a net-meter bank month to month and are drawn down before energy charges apply. Each March the bank is settled to zero and the balance paid at the current wholesale energy rate (April–March year). Systems up to 25 kW inverter-based may not exceed 200% of the location’s annual usage. The fixed charge is always billed.
Time-of-use: As of Jan. 1, 2026: standard residential (R1) is $22.00/month, $0.1184/kWh and $4.55/kW demand on the highest 15-minute interval any time of day. The optional Time of Use rate (RTD1) charges $0.1880/kWh on-peak (5–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday) and $0.0672/kWh off-peak, with the same $4.55/kW demand charge. The on-peak window shrank from 2–10 p.m. to 5–9 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.
Sources & dated facts
- Under C.R.S. 40-9.5-118, a Colorado co-op must net-meter residential systems up to at least 10 kW (25 kW for businesses), roll monthly surplus kWh forward at a one-to-one ratio, and settle the year-end surplus within 60 days.As of Sep 23, 2026
- United Power net meter banks roll over monthly until March, when all banks are settled to zero and paid at the current wholesale energy rate.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- System generation cannot exceed 200% of the location’s annual usage (inverter-based facilities up to 25 kW).As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- United Power does not offer a rebate for new solar or storage system installations.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- Batteries require an interconnection application and signed Terms & Conditions, and members are directed to review NFPA 855 with their contractor.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
- United Power’s withdrawal from Tri-State became effective May 1, 2024; Guzman Energy supplies roughly one-third of its needs under a 15-year fixed-price contract.As of Sep 23, 2026 · source
FAQ
Questions we hear
What does United Power pay for my extra solar?
During the year, excess kWh roll into your net-meter bank and offset future usage one-for-one. In March, any remaining balance is paid at the current wholesale energy rate and the bank resets to zero.
Does United Power give a solar rebate?
No. United Power states it does not offer a rebate for new system installations (as of September 2026).
Will solar get rid of my United Power bill?
It can remove most of the energy charge, but the $22 monthly fixed charge and the demand charge (2026: $4.55/kW) stay. Plan on a smaller bill, not a zero one.
How big can my system be on United Power?
Generation can’t exceed 200% of your location’s annual usage. Sizing that high rarely pays, since surplus is settled at wholesale each March.