2025 City of Boulder Residential Rebates
Funded by the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) Tax and Solar Rebate Ordinance.
The following rebates are available to residents of the City of Boulder. Larger rebates might be available – visit our income-qualified rebates page to check your eligibility.
Rebates are available on a first-come first-served basis. Additional requirements are listed at the bottom of this page. Rebates can be combined with any relevant municipality or utility incentive.
Important Note: Certain upgrades must be installed by an Xcel Energy approved contractor to be eligible for rebates.
Questions? See our Rebate FAQs.
Ready to apply for your rebate? Complete our online application form.
Insulation
and Air Sealing
Receive 30% of all project costs up to $750.
Bonus rebate of $100 available for completing exterior top plate air sealing in conjunction with attic insulation and air sealing.
Note: Before and after blower door testing required. CAZ testing required if gas appliances are present in the home.
| Project Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Wall Insulation | R-19 minimum; fill wall cavity where R-19 is not possible. For solid walls such as brick or concrete, exterior rigid insulation must be added to a level of ≥ R-10. |
| Attic Insulation with Air Sealing | R-60 minimum required in open attic; cathedral ceilings will vary with rafter depth but must meet requirements of 2012 IECC. Must perform air sealing in attics prior to adding insulation. |
| Foundation (Basement or Crawl Space) Insulation and Air Sealing | Crawlspace as outlined in the 2012 IECC. R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity insulation with a vapor-permeable air barrier over insulation. Crawlspaces must have sealed vapor barrier over dirt crawl space floor and ventilation, per 2012 IECC. |
| Sub-Floor or Frame Floor Insulation & Air Sealing | R-30 minimum, over unconditioned space only (i.e., cantilevers, floors over unconditioned crawl, over garage, etc.). Fill enclosed floor cavities when R-30 is not possible. |
| Professionally Applied Air Sealing (No Do-It-Yourself!) | Air infiltration levels must be measured by a blower door before & after improvement. Mechanical ventilation recommended if air changes/hour are below 0.35 NACH. Air sealing must be separate from one of the above listed projects. |
Appliances
and HVAC Rebates
| Project Type | Rebate Replacing Gas Appliances | Rebate Replacing Electric Appliances | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Including Mini-Split Heat Pumps | $900 | $400 | • HSPF2 ≥ 8.1 • Must be ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified OR COP ≥ 1.75@5°F OR capacity @ 5°F at least 70% of BTU @ 47°F |
| Non-Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Including Mini-Split Heat Pumps | $750 | $250 | HSPF2 ≥ 7.8 |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | $900 | $400 | • 5.5 tons or smaller, 14.1 EER • Must be ENERGY STAR certified |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | $900 | $400 | Must have a COP of 1.75 or higher |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $750 | $250 | Must be ENERGY STAR certified with a minimum Energy Factor of 2.0 |
| Induction Cooktop | $450 | $250 | • Built-in, drop-in & freestanding units only • Portable stoves not eligible • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Heat Pump Dryer | $450 | $250 | • Must be ENERGY STAR certified • Proof of purchase, plus before & after installation photos required |
| Electric Panel Upgrade | $250 | $250 | • Must be increasing capacity to 200 amps • Or 150 amps if going from 100 amp panel • A licensed electrician must be used • Must be completed in conjunction with heat pump, induction, solar, or EV charger upgrades • Proof of other upgrades required |
Solar Incentives
| Incentive | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Solar PV & Solar Thermal Grant | Funds generated by the Solar Rebate Ordinance are used to provide grants for the installation of solar systems on individual housing units owned and occupied by low-to-moderate income-qualified residents within Boulder city limits according to the following structure: • $1 per watt based on system capacity • Limited to 50% of total project costs after other incentives are applied • $8,000 maximum cap For more information, please visit the city’s Solar Grant Information page. |
| Solar PV & Solar Thermal Tax Rebate | The City of Boulder offers a sales and use tax rebate on solar electric or solar thermal (hot water) systems. The city may rebate approximately 15% of the city sales and use tax paid on materials and permits for the solar installation. For more information, please visit the city’s Solar Tax Rebate page. |
The following conditions apply to all of the listed rebates:
- Rebates and grants are only available for upgrades completed on residential units within the City of Boulder and are funded by the City of Boulder’s Climate Tax and Solar Rebate Ordinance.
- Rebate and grant funds are limited, subject to change, and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Rebates and grants will be awarded based on the levels published at the time that an invoice for work completed has been submitted to EnergySmart.
- To be eligible for EnergySmart services, rebates and grants, all work must meet all applicable building or energy codes, all required permits must be obtained.
- Unless otherwise specified, any product or installation must meet current ENERGY STAR standards at minimum, if such standards exist for that given product or application.
- Rebates and grants cannot exceed 70% of the cost of the upgrade after all other rebates are applied.
- All upgrades must be for or directly benefit unit occupants. (e.g. Only upper units can receive an attic insulation rebate when applying for multiple unit rebates.
- Lifetime limit of 2 air source heat pump (inc min-split heat pump) rebates per house.
- Multi-family units of 5 or more are not eligible for these rebates. If your project includes upgrades to 5 unit or larger multi-family, please contact Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) for information on possible incentives.
- All work and eligible upgrades must be installed, completed and invoiced between January 1,2025 and December 31, 2025 to qualify for these rebates.
- Solar installations must be completed within 12 months of grant approval.
- Appliance and HVAC Rebates require attestation of previous fuel source (electricity or gas/propane).
- For Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs): An electronic expansion valve is required to help regulate refrigerant flow to the indoor components with precision and efficiency.
- Contractor requirements may apply depending on the project; EnergySmart aligns with Xcel Energy contractor requirements – see below for projects with contractor requirements:
- Contractor must be listed on eligible installer list for insulation/air sealing, ducted (inc. partially) air source heat pump or mini-split heat pump, heat pump water heater, and ground source heat pump projects
Check out EnergySmart’s rebate FAQ to find answers to commonly asked questions.
Ready to apply for your rebate? Complete our online application form.
EnergySmart Advisors are available to help you complete and submit your application for all eligible rebates. Call us today at 303.544.1000 or email us at info@energysmartyes.com.
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