Colorado net metering: how Xcel Energy credits your solar in 2026
Colorado net metering explained: credit rates, interconnection steps, and what Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy offer Colorado solar owners.
Xcel Energy’s net metering program is the financial backbone of Colorado residential solar. With full retail-rate credits and 300+ annual sun days producing strong system output, Colorado homeowners have one of the most productive net metering situations in the country — even at Xcel’s relatively modest $0.15–$0.17/kWh rate.
How Xcel Energy net metering works in Colorado
Xcel credits excess solar at the full retail rate monthly. Unused credits carry forward. Annual surplus credits may be compensated at a lower avoided-cost rate per your interconnection agreement. Xcel’s interconnection process for residential systems: 6 to 10 weeks from application to permission to operate. Black Hills Energy (Pueblo area) has a separate net metering program; contact Black Hills for current terms. Rural Colorado homeowners may be served by electric cooperatives — co-op net metering terms vary; contact your co-op directly.