The Co-op vs. Investor-Owned Utility Difference

Colorado’s electric landscape is a patchwork of investor-owned utilities (like Xcel) and rural co-ops. The differences in net metering policies, buyback rates, and connection fees can leave homeowners scratching their heads. Fortunately, Sundog Solar includes a battery with every system, so you’re never at the mercy of one-size-fits-all policies.

Investor-owned utilities typically provide retail-rate net metering, meaning any excess solar energy you produce can offset your nighttime usage at a fair rate. Co-ops, however, sometimes buy your surplus power at a lower “avoided cost” rate, or require more complex metering setups. But when your solar system automatically charges a built-in battery, you can use your own power later rather than selling it back cheaply. In other words, you get to “store” your sunshine until you actually need it—no matter which utility serves your home.

That kind of energy autonomy takes the stress out of co-op vs. IOU rate structures. You’ll still enjoy net metering where it’s advantageous, but thanks to your battery, less-favorable policies won’t hurt your bottom line. We believe that’s the future of clean energy—self-reliant, equitable, and easy. Our friendly team will explain how your specific utility measures solar credits, but rest assured you’ll be keeping more of your sunshine for yourself.

Want to see how this shakes out financially?Just hop on our Custom Quote Calculator to get an instant, 10-second snapshot of system costs, savings, and no-credit-check financing. With Sundog Solar, your utility’s quirks don’t stand a chance against our all-in-one solar-plus-battery approach. Talk Co-op by tapping here: 970-SUNDOGS.