Longmont city reference
Solar in Longmont, 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
- 80501
- Utility
- Xcel Energy
- Focus
- Net metering + Solar*Rewards
Longmont is a Boulder County city of about 98,000 residents (98,282) northeast of Boulder, served by Xcel Energy. The median owner-occupied home is valued near $488,000 and was built around 1989, and roughly 63 percent of homes are owner-occupied. A 7 kW solar array in Longmont is modeled to produce about 1,490 kWh per installed kW, or roughly 10,400 kWh per year, according to NREL/NLR PVWatts v8.
Local numbers
The Longmont baseline
A 7 kW south-facing system in Longmont produces about 10,450 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.
10,450 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 Longmont 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 Longmont 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 Longmont 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 Longmont: red flags, what to verify, questions to ask before signing.
Utility context
The bill rules are local.
Most of Longmont is served by Xcel Energy. Net metering, rate trajectory, and program timing differ by utility; the Colorado state hub covers the cross-utility picture.