Solar Grant Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility Requirements

• Solar (electric or thermal) systems must be installed on:
  • facilities of site-based nonprofit entities operating in Boulder; or
  • on income qualified housing in Boulder that is owned and operated by a nonprofit; or
  • on individual housing units that are part of the City of Boulder’s affordable housing program.
• Applicants that intend to use alternative financing mechanisms, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant Amount

• There is no maximum grant amount; however, in most cases, no more than 50 percent of the total project cost after rebates, incentives and tax credits will be granted. 
• Grant amounts vary based on the amount of funding available. Funding is generated by sales and use tax on solar installations throughout the community. The total funding available in each grant cycle is announced approximately one month before grant applications are due.
• In recent years, individual grants for nonprofits and residential buildings have ranged from $1,600 to $30,000.
• Income tax must be paid on the grant amount for the year received.

Grant Requirements

• Grant money for each award will be dispersed after the system has been installed and a copy of the certificate of completion (provided by the system inspector) has been submitted to the grant administrator.
• Grants must be used within six months of notification of the award.
• If the system size or type changes after the grant has been awarded, the grant administrator must be notified and the grant committee may re-evaluate the award.
• Award recipients will be asked to sign an agreement stating the terms of receiving the funds.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Does the applicant show a demonstrated interest and investment in maximizing the energy efficiency of the building(s) that the solar installation will serve?
  • For existing buildings, this is demonstrated by an energy audit and a list of energy efficiency measures that have been installed.  For new buildings, this is demonstrated by the building's energy rating.
• How efficient and cost effective is the solar system? 
• What is the projected effect on the building's energy costs? 
• How much of the total project cost will be funded by sources other than the solar grant?
  • A minimum of 50 percent of the project cost must come from other sources; a higher percentage is better.  
• How does the proposed project increase public awareness of renewable energy, the City of Boulder Solar Grant and other LEAD programs?
• Does the proposed project provide additional environmental, social or economic benefits for the community?

Questions may be directed to Megan Cuzzolino at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 303-441-3452.

There are two grant cycles each year. Submissions (mailed or emailed) must be received by 5 p.m. on the application due date.

Please fill out the appropriate application form and either submit it via email, or print out the form and mail it to the address listed below. We recommend that you print and keep copies for your records.

*Email submissions are preferred. 

Last Updated on Friday, 08 March 2013 08:11