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Community Solar in Colorado - 2026 Programs & Savings Guide

Colorado offers community solar through Colorado Community Solar Gardens Act. Subscribers save 5-10% on their electricity bills with no installation required. Renters are eligible.

Active Subscribers
25,000

1.1% of households

Subscribed Capacity
200 MW
Typical Savings
5-10%

~$13/mo avg

Available to Renters
Yes

Income-qualified tier available

Program Name

Colorado Community Solar Gardens Act

Serving Utilities

Xcel Energy Colorado, Black Hills Energy, Holy Cross Energy

Contract Length

Up to 20 years

Community Solar Programs in Colorado

Xcel Energy Colorado — Renewable Connect Community Solar

Administrator: Xcel Energy Colorado (regulated by Colorado PUC)

Community Solar Garden

Colorado's Community Solar Gardens Act (2010) was one of the first community solar laws in the country. Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect program allows residential and commercial customers to subscribe to shares of community solar farms and receive monthly bill credits. Projects are capped at 10 MW. Xcel is the largest utility provider and offers the most accessible program; rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities have limited or no community solar options.

Savings Range
5–10% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
Up to 20 years; residential customers may transfer subscriptions when moving within Xcel territory
Subscription Size
Minimum 100 kWh/month; up to 120% of your average annual usage
Eligibility
Any Xcel Energy Colorado residential or commercial customer
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Income-qualified subscribers receive discounted subscription rates through Xcel's Income Qualified Rate program

Black Hills Energy Community Solar (Colorado)

Administrator: Black Hills Energy (regulated by Colorado PUC)

Community Solar Garden

Black Hills Energy offers a smaller community solar program for customers in its Colorado service area (Pueblo, Colorado Springs suburbs, and southern Colorado). Capacity is more limited than Xcel's program and subscription opportunities are less frequent.

Savings Range
4–8% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
10–20 years
Subscription Size
Up to 100% of average monthly usage
Eligibility
Black Hills Energy Colorado residential customers
Available to Renters
No

How Community Solar Works in Colorado

1

Enroll directly through Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect portal or contact an approved community solar developer operating in Xcel's Colorado territory.

2

Select a subscription amount — sized to cover a portion of your average monthly electricity usage.

3

The community solar farm generates power and reports monthly production to Xcel Energy.

4

Xcel applies a monthly bill credit at the Renewable Connect rate for your share of the project's output.

5

You pay your community solar provider a rate set below the credit value, locking in guaranteed savings each month.

Is Community Solar Worth It in Colorado?

~

Moderate Savings

This state offers solid community solar options with moderate savings. The program is a good fit for renters and those who can't install rooftop solar, though savings may be lower than in leading states.

Typical Savings

5-10%

Upfront Cost

$0

Renters Eligible

Yes

Participating Utilities in Colorado

Xcel Energy ColoradoBlack Hills EnergyHoly Cross Energy

Ready to Subscribe?

Visit the official Colorado community solar program to find available projects and sign up.

Find Projects in CO →

Community Solar FAQs - Colorado

No. Renters who are Xcel Energy Colorado customers are fully eligible for the Renewable Connect program. Colorado's Community Solar Gardens Act explicitly allows renters to participate. Black Hills Energy's program may have additional eligibility requirements.
Xcel Energy Renewable Connect subscribers typically save 5–10% on the portion of their electricity bill covered by their subscription. Colorado has relatively low electricity rates compared to states like New York or Massachusetts, which means dollar savings are more modest, though percentage savings are comparable.
The act requires that community solar contracts be filed with and approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, mandates disclosure of all terms before signing, and prohibits developers from charging subscribers more than the retail rate for credits. These protections make Colorado one of the better-regulated states for community solar consumers.
Cancellation terms vary by developer and program. Xcel Energy Renewable Connect subscriptions may be transferred when you move within Xcel's territory. Review your specific contract for early exit terms and any associated fees.
Rural Coloradans served by rural electric cooperatives (RECs) or municipal utilities generally have limited or no access to community solar programs comparable to Xcel's Renewable Connect. Contact your specific utility to inquire about available options.

More Solar Resources for Colorado

Colorado Solar Data

Installations, costs & panel brands

Colorado Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates & exemptions

Source: NREL Community Solar Policy, state public utility commissions, DSIRE, and utility program documentation. Data reflects programs available as of 2026. Program terms, capacity, and availability change frequently - verify current details with your utility or a licensed community solar provider.