Community solar garden

Expanding access to distributed renewable energy program beginning in 2026

The Colorado Inclusive Community Solar (ICS) Program is expanding access to clean, affordable energy for Black Hills Energy customers. Created through Colorado Senate Bill 24-207, the program is designed to ensure that the benefits of community solar reach income-qualified households while providing solar savings opportunities to customers across Southern Colorado.

Inclusive community solar developers

Availability:

• 3.5 MW of ICS capacity will be made available as early as August 2026
• An additional 3.5 MW will be made available in January of 2027

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission continues to implement rules governing the Inclusive Community Solar program, including subscriber protections, billing processes, reporting requirements and program administration. Developers will be expected to comply with all applicable rules and future updates.

To participate in the Inclusive Community Solar program, project developers will be required to demonstrate how they plan to meet and maintain the program's income-qualified participation goals. As Colorado finalizes implementation rules, developers may be expected to:

• Develop and maintain an income-qualified subscriber enrollment strategy.
• Verify that at least 51% of subscribed project capacity remains income-qualified throughout the life of the project.
• Demonstrate site control, have received all applicable permits, and have executed an interconnection agreement with Black Hills at the time of application.
• Provide ongoing reporting and compliance documentation in accordance with Colorado Public Utilities Commission requirements.

Developers are encouraged to check this webpage regularly for program updates. New opportunities, deadlines and program changes will be posted here as they become available.

Third-party administrator qualifications

• Be a registered nonprofit, governmental agency, or other approved organization.
• Demonstrate experience serving income-qualified customers.
• Have processes for customer outreach, enrollment assistance, and bill credit administration.
• Maintain customer privacy and data security requirements.
• Execute any required agreements with the Company.
• Comply with reporting requirements and program rules.

Reach out to bhesolar@blackhillscorp.com for further information.

Learn more about our community solar programs

Visit the links below to learn more about our community solar gardens and be one of the first to lock in your solar savings.

PY2025 Community Solar Garden Standard Offer and Request for Proposals