Mountain Village: Solar Rebates

In line with Mountain Village’s environmental ethos, the town is offering significant savings to those who install solar on their home or business.

First launched in 2014, the Solar Energy Rebate Program awards those by offering a rebate of $0.40 per watt of power generated by solar. This is in addition to San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) current rebate of $0.75 per watt.

“Mountain Village wants to encourage its property owners to utilize renewable energy, and the town’s $0.40 per watt rebate along with the current federal tax credits and SMPA’s rebate of $0.75 per watt really improves the payback period for solar investments,” said Environmental Services Director Deanna Drew.

As for program rules, the town rebate applies to solar installations up to five kilowatts for residential properties and 10 kilowatts for commercial meters, which translates to a maximum rebate of $2,000 per meter for residents and $4,000 maximum rebate per meter for business owners. Residential and commercial owners may also receive a 30 percent federal tax credit. To get started, the town recommends contacting a Colorado solar professional or electrician to obtain a competitive bid.

“With the federal tax credit and SMPA rebates set to expire in 2016 and the recent sellout of the SMPA community solar array, now is the time in invest in solar on your home,” explained Drew.

In 2009, Mountain Village pledged to support Colorado Governor Ritter’s Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 20 percent by 2020. In 2014, the town government reduced its own GHG emissions 22 percent from 2010 levels. The town government measures greenhouse gases using the amount of fuel, electricity, and natural gas consumed by government operations annually.

“This solar rebate program is another creative way that our government is encouraging the responsible use of natural resources throughout the community,” said Drew. “Once a home or business becomes as energy efficient as possible, we hope that folks will take the next step and offset their electricity from coal with cleaner, renewable sources of electricity.”

The Mountain Village Solar Energy Rebate Program, a $20,000 funded program, is part of the town’s overall energy reduction strategy.