Erie city reference
Solar in Erie, checked against utility math.
A city-level guide for Boulder County homeowners comparing quotes, system size, incentive timing, and Xcel Energy billing assumptions.
- Reference ZIP
- 80516
- Utility
- Xcel Energy
- Focus
- Net metering + Solar*Rewards
Erie is a Boulder County community of about 30,447 residents, served by Xcel Energy. The typical home is valued near $644,300 with a median build year around 2007, and owner-occupancy is high at roughly 86.5 percent. According to NREL PVWatts, a south-facing 7 kW array in Erie produces about 1,519 kWh per installed kW, or roughly 10,636 kWh per year. Because electric service territory can vary by address along this corridor, homeowners should confirm their own utility before requesting a quote.
Local numbers
The Erie baseline
A 7 kW south-facing system in Erie produces about 10,650 kWh/year per NREL PVWatts. Pre-incentive install cost runs $18,900 to $21,000, with cash payback around 11 to 12 years before financing markup.
10,650 kWh/year
Annual production
PVWatts v8, 7 kW south-facing.
~$18,900 to $21,000
Net cash cost
After incentives, before financing.
11 to 12 years
Cash payback
No dealer-fee markup.
15 to 18 years
Financed payback
With typical dealer fees.
Diagnostic path
Check the Erie quote from four angles.
Start with fit, then pressure-test price, incentives, and installer risk before a homeowner signs.
- 01 Is it worth it? → Diagnostic: how to know if your Erie home is a good fit for solar, and what to verify before signing. Real production numbers, current rates, no inflated assumptions.
- 02 Typical cost and payback → Sized for a Erie median home, with Xcel Energy-adjusted production from NREL PVWatts and current Standard retail-rate net metering + Solar*Rewards production incentive rates.
- 03 Incentives → Solar*Rewards values plus Xcel Energy programs. Federal credit context after the December 2025 expiration.
- 04 How to pick an installer → Educational buyer's guide for Erie: red flags, what to verify, questions to ask before signing.
Utility context
The bill rules are local.
Most of Erie is served by Xcel Energy. Net metering, rate trajectory, and program timing differ by utility; the Colorado state hub covers the cross-utility picture.