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United Power Does Not Contract or Partner with Any Solar Vendors

United Power is proud to be ranked among the top electric utilities across the country in member-owned rooftop solar installations. We are rapidly approaching our 10,000th net metering agreement. While we empower our members to pursue solar if it suits their energy needs and lifestyle, we do not contract or partner with any company that sells solar panels. Some members have recently reported door-to-door salespeople who are claiming to represent the cooperative and are using intentionally misleading promises to persuade members into making costly decisions about installing solar panels. To help our members separate fact from fiction, we have refuted a couple of the most common solar scams here. 

Claim: Going Solar Will Eliminate Your Bill

One of the most common promises solar salespeople make is that after purchasing a solar system, you will no longer receive a bill from your electric utility. This is not true. To take full advantage of “banking” your excess generation, and if you need a continuous source of power when the sun is not shining, you will likely want to maintain a connection to the United Power grid. All United Power members pay a fixed monthly charge, which covers a portion of the costs for grid connection including billing, collections, member services, and metering. Your bill may also include local taxes and franchise fees, which vary based on where you live.

You should also consider the cost of a new solar system. According to Consumer Affairs, Colorado residents can expect to spend nearly $14,000 on a 6-kW system — even after tax incentives. If you finance a system, your monthly solar payment could come with a higher price tag than you would pay for electricity alone.

Claim: United Power Keeps Raising Rates 

Salespeople have told members that we continue to raise rates, and that they have been paying more because of it. Residential rates for United Power members have remained steady for more than three years.

Any increases that members may have noticed on their monthly billing statements are likely due to recent weather trends or being home more frequently resulting in increased electric usage, not higher rates. If you want to learn more about your energy usage trends and pinpoint what is driving your electric costs, contact United Power’s Energy Management team at 303-637-1300.

United Power has a guide on our website for members who are considering solar. Visit our Going Solar guide to learn more about the benefits of your solar connection to the local electric grid. Please be extremely cautious of any door-to-door salesperson claiming to sell solar panels on United Power’s behalf, especially if they come with grand promises that seem too good to be true.