Does Rooftop Solar Still Make Sense in Security-Widefield in 2026?
Many homeowners are asking if solar is a smart financial move now that the major 30% federal tax credit has expired. For residents in the Security-Widefield area, the answer is often yes. Thanks to Colorado's strong solar resource, supportive state tax policies, and excellent utility net metering programs, investing in solar can still lead to significant long-term savings and energy independence.
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Estimated Solar Panel Cost in Security-Widefield
In 2026, the upfront cost for a professionally installed 6.1 kW rooftop solar system, sized to cover the electricity needs of an average home in Security-Widefield, is approximately $16,775.
This price reflects the full installation cost without any federal incentives. Colorado law helps by exempting the purchase from state sales tax, which is a direct saving. The financial return comes from decades of reduced electricity bills rather than a one-time tax rebate.
Optional Battery Storage
For homeowners prioritizing backup power during grid outages, adding a 10 kWh battery is an option. This typically adds around $15,000 to the project, bringing the total cost to nearly $32,000. With strong net metering available, a battery is best viewed as an investment in resilience, as it extends the financial payback period to almost 19 years.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Key Colorado Solar Benefits in 2026
While the federal ITC is gone, Colorado provides a stable environment for solar investment through valuable state-level policies:
- No Added Property Taxes: Your home's assessed value will not increase because of your solar installation. This key exemption ensures you enjoy the full financial benefit of your system without a corresponding tax hike.
- No Sales Tax on Equipment: The state's sales tax exemption on renewable energy equipment provides an immediate reduction in the total cost of your solar project.
- Full-Retail Net Metering: This utility policy is the cornerstone of solar economics in the area, ensuring you get full value for every kilowatt-hour your system produces.
Net Metering: Black Hills Power Inc
Retail Net Metering
Optional
How Net Metering Works with Black Hills Power
Net metering in Colorado is straightforward and homeowner-friendly. When your solar panels generate more power than you need, the excess is sent to the electric grid. Black Hills Power tracks this exported energy and provides a bill credit for every kilowatt-hour at the full retail rate ($0.163/kWh).
This 1-to-1 credit means you can offset the power you use from the grid at night or on cloudy days with the surplus you generated during peak sun hours. This exchange is what allows a properly sized system to zero out the energy portion of your bill, leaving only basic monthly service fees.
Projected Savings
Projected Energy Bill Savings
A 6.1 kW solar system is expected to produce enough power to save a Security-Widefield homeowner around $1,227 in its first year of operation. This effectively offsets a typical monthly bill of $122 from Black Hills Power.
With a system cost of $16,775, the estimated payback period is 11.3 years. After that point, the electricity generated is pure savings for the remaining 15+ years of the panels' warranty. Furthermore, an owned solar system is a durable home upgrade that can enhance resale appeal for future buyers looking for lower utility costs.