GOLDEN · JEFFERSON COUNTY
Solar in Golden
A 7 kW south-facing system in Golden produces about 10,450 kWh/year per NREL PVWatts. Pre-incentive install cost runs $18,900 to $21,000, net cash out-of-pocket lands around ~$18,900 to $21,000 after Solar*Rewards and Solar*Rewards production incentive (Xcel) / no statewide upfront residential rebate. Cash payback in 11 to 12 years, financed in 14 to 17 years once dealer fees layer in.
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.
14 to 17 years
Financed payback
With typical dealer fees.
REFERENCE PAGES
Four pages walk the Golden diagnostic
- 01 Is it worth it? → Diagnostic: how to know if your Golden 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 Golden 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 Golden: red flags, what to verify, questions to ask before signing.
UTILITY CONTEXT
Most of Golden is served by Xcel Energy. Net metering, rate trajectory, and program timing differ by utility, the Colorado state hub covers the cross-utility picture.