Commercial Solar

When your solar system produces more electricity than your business uses, the extra energy goes back to the grid. Fort Collins Utilities gives you credits on your bill for that surplus energy.

• Credits are based on the current commercial electric rate
• These credits lower your energy costs but don't cover fixed service charges
• You'll still pay for electricity used at night or on cloudy days

View Utility Rates

Interconnection Policies

This guide outlines the technical and safety requirements for connecting your solar energy system to the Fort Collins Utilities electric grid.

• Includes approval process, technical specs, inspection steps, and customer responsibilities.
• All solar projects must meet these requirements to be approved.

Download Interconnection Policies(PDF, 3MB)

Eligible Equipment List

Your system must use equipment that meets national safety standards and is pre-approved by Fort Collins Utilities.

• All solar panels, inverters, and related hardware must be new and UL-listed
• Check here to make sure your selected products qualify for rebates

View the Eligible Equipment List 

Colorado C-PACE Financing

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a state-supported financing program that helps businesses pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades—like solar—through long-term loans tied to the property.

• 100% upfront financing
• Paid back through property tax assessment
• Ideal for large or capital-intensive projects

Learn More About Colorado C-PACE

A: Not completely. Solar can significantly reduce your bill, but you’ll still pay for electricity used when your panels aren’t producing (like at night or on cloudy days), plus fixed service charges.

A: Savings depend on several factors:

• Your building’s energy usage
• The size and design of your solar system
• Your building’s orientation and sun exposure

A licensed solar contractor can give you a custom estimate.

A: If your system is shaded between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., you’ll need to submit a shading analysis with your application.
You must also commit to managing trees or other objects that may reduce solar output over time.

A: Your system must:

• Be larger than 500 watts
• Not exceed 200% of your average annual electricity use (based on the past 24 months)

This sizing ensures systems are designed to match your energy needs without overproducing.

A: After your project is approved, installed, and passes final inspection, your rebate is typically issued. Systems must be installed within six months of your rebate reservation letter.

A: No. A licensed solar contractor must complete the installation to qualify for rebates and meet local safety and interconnection standards.

A: When your system produces more energy than you use, the extra electricity goes to the grid. You get a credit on your electric bill based on current commercial electric rates. These credits reduce your bill, but don’t cover fixed service charges.