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Xcel Energy (CO)

Colorado Utility Interconnection & net metering rules
Net Metering Allowed1
NEM TypeMonthly
Supply Side Taps Allowed1
Line Taps Allowed1
Load Taps Allowed1
MPU Rules<p>If the project includes MPU, minimum Type 2 surge-protect
AC Disconnect RequiredSituational

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
1
NEM Type
Monthly
TOU Utility
0
Post Solar Billing Method
Net Metering
Rebates Offered
0
Deregulated
0
Allows Standby
1

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
Yes
Interconnection Level
3
Supply Side Taps Allowed
1
Line Taps Allowed
1
Load Taps Allowed
1
Tap Criteria
  • For Load/Line side taps: If system less than 10kW DC: Inv > 60A Fused Disco > POI
  • If system more than 10kW DC: Inv > Non-fused Disco > top of PM > 60A Fused Disco > POI
  • If using ConnectDER: Include ConnectDER model number to SLD. Model number details are needed for initial application submission.
  • Meter socket # must be one of the following: C-B-4-22-40, C-B-4-22-60, C-B-4-22-80
MPU Rules

If the project includes MPU, minimum Type 2 surge-protector (SPD) must be installed.

Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
0
System Size Restriction Type
No Restrictions
System Size Battery Included
0
System Size Includes Existing Systems
0
Offset Type
Percentage
Offset Value
200
Offset Calculation Basis
Historical
Offset Calculation Period
4
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
System Size Justification
Load Justification
System Offset Notes

Xcel now allows us to size up to 200% of customers usage

Square Footage Estimation is only allowed to be used if the customer of record does not have more than 4 months of usage or the home is new with zero usage. To estimate based on square footage, see "Xcel-CO Sq Footage Calculator" in the Files section of this page.


Xcel does allow Load justification letters to justify oversized systems

Offset Calc Tool
PV Watts

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
Situational
Production Meter Criteria

Production Meter (PM) is required for projects at or over 10kW-DC.

  • Xcel bases PM requirement on DC System size only
  • On ELD, PM note must include "200 A, STEEL PRODUCTION METER, 120/240V, 3-WIRE".
  • On Site Plan: If PV meter is further than 10' from utility meter, note "a directory placard must be placed on PM and service equipment." (NOTE: Remove the automated note that says PV meter will be within 10 ft)
  • Inv > AC Disco (label as "Utility AC Disconnect") > top of PM > MSP > Utility Meter
  • PV METER [Production Meter shall be located together in a readily accessible location within 10' of the main service meter]
  • PV METER [THE PV PRODUCTION METERING (IF APPLICABLE) SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOST RECENT REVISION OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK): SECTION 4.11 FOR SELF-CONTAINED METERING; SECTION 4.10.7 AND 4.12 FOR TRANSFORMER-RATED METERING. SELF-CONTAINED PV PRODUCTION METERING WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE PV GENERATION WIRED TO THE LINE SIDE TERMINALS (TOP OF METER BLOCK). THE METER SOCKET FOR THE PV PRODUCTION METER SHALL BE MARKED WITH A STAMPED BRASS, ALUMINUM, OR STAINLESS-STEEL TAG INDICATING THE ADDRESS INCLUDING THE UNIT, TYPICALLY “PV PROD” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR “METER IDENTIFICATION” IN SECTION 4.14.4 OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK)]

EXISTING SYSTEMS: 

  • A NEW PM is strictly based on the NEW System ONLY, do NOT include existing system in DC system size for PM
  • Existing Systems: If the existing system has a PM, it can remain and does not need to be combined or removed.
Production Meter Position
Inv-Disco-PM-POI
Production Meter Labeling
Production Meter
AC Disconnect Required
Situational
AC Disconnect Criteria
  • Only required over 10kw or tap (fused disco will suffice in this case)
  • If inverter is more than 10ft away, an AC disco will be required
AC Disconnect Labeling
Visible Lockable Labeled Disconnect
Meter Adapter Requirements
  • Include ConnectDER model number to SLD. Model number details are needed for initial application submission.
  • Meter socket # must be one of the following: C-B-4-22-40, C-B-4-22-60, C-B-4-22-80
Allowed Meter Adapter
Tesla Backup Switch,ConnectDER

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs
  • There is an example line diagram and site plan in the files section to reference.
  • If the service is overhead, include the clearances to the overhead service, service lines and include leaders labeled as such. If any new equipment (inverters, disconnects, modules, etc) is in close proximity to overhead electric service lines, position, distance and clearance concerns in relation to facilities, it should be noted (indicate where overhead service drop is located). If there are no clearance issues, please add note : NO CLEARANCE ISSUES.
  • If the service is underground, add note: "No overhead service lines exist"
  • All Structures on property must be labeled on Site Plan. (e.g: main home, detached garage, shop, sheds, pools etc.) 
  • If there is only one structure on the site plan, please label as "main home" or "Main Dwelling"
  • AC and DC System size must be listed on both Site Plan and ELD
  • A minimum of one cross street should be included on the site plan (for a total of two streets). If the nearest cross street cannot be shown, include the name, distance, and direction to the nearest cross street. (see "Xcel Energy Site Plan Example.pdf" in files)
  • If MSP is combo/Meter-main type, separate Utility Meter from MSP in drawing.
  • Site Plan must include a legend reflecting appropriate equipment abbreviations and locations (update legend to show all BOS blocks).
  • Site plan must include leaders to all appropriate equipment and locations.
  • AC disconnect required within 10 ft of Utility Meter -- Exceptions: If AC disconnect cannot be placed within 10ft of utility meter due to site conditions, a placard will be required at the utility meter, depicting the location of the AC disconnect, this will need to be noted on plans: "AC DISCONNECT IS LOCATED OVER 10 FEET AWAY, PLACARD REQUIRED". NOTE: If we use a placard route, remove all notes that reference being within 10' of the meter Site Plan and ELD. Please show measured distance between Utility Meter and BOS on Site Plan and on Site Placard
  • Note which Disconnect is the Utility PV AC Disconnect - Always located in between inverter and PM (if applicable).
  • Inverter locations must be shown on site plan.
  • If microinverters are module integrated, it should be noted as such: "MICROINVERTERS ARE MODULE INTEGRATED"
  • In the leader pointing to the Utility Meter, Indicate phase and voltage at the utility meter "(1-Phase, 3-Wire, 240V)". (Site plan and ELD)
  • Utility Meter must be on building's exterior. MPU required if not.
  • If the project includes MPU, minimum Type 2 SPD must be installed and noted.
  • If using ConnectDER or Tesla Backup Switch - Please show on Site Plan **
SLD Reqs

Relay Meter Orientation = Over/Under

  • There is an example line diagram and site plan in the files section to reference.
  • If the project includes MPU, minimum Type 2 surge-protector (SPD) must be installed.
  • Indicate the phase and voltage at the utility meter. (Site plan and ELD). Voltage and phase of equipment can be covered with a note like: "DER SYSTEM, PRODUCTION METER (IF APPLICABLE), INVERTER AND UTILITY METER ARE SINGLE PHASE, 240 VOLT 3-WIRE" (should auto-populate the DER note at top of ELD, if not copy from above)
  • Indicate the phase and expected individual kW AC nameplate of each inverter(s). If enphase, list nameplate of single inverter ex. 290W
  • For single phase installations, the note next to the meter: "1-phase, 3-wire, 240v".
  • No upgrades to meter/main combo allowed. Must be kept separate.
  • Check with Utility to determine if meter on existing system is old or new NEM type.
  • Show system size on SLD.
  • If Production Meter is not applicable, label AC Disco: AC DISCONNECT READILY ACCESSIBLE LOCKABLE LABELED KNIFE BLADE SWITCH WITH VISIBLE OPEN.
  • If Production Meter is required, label AC Disco (in between Inverter and PM): UTILITY AC DISCONNECT READILY ACCESSIBLE LOCKABLE LABELED KNIFE BLADE SWITCH WITH VISIBLE OPEN.
  • When there are multiple disconnects, the disconnect between the Inverter and Production Meter should be labeled Utility AC Disconnect, and all other disconnects MUST be labeled AC Disconnect.
  • If 200A Production meter is required, #6 wire required from the inverter.
  • Confirm required note auto-populated: Yellow with black lettering “PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM CONNECTED” placard required at UM.
  • When using a Production Meter (above 10kW DC) Include the following notes:

- THE PV PRODUCTION METERING (IF APPLICABLE) SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOST RECENT REVISION OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK): SECTION 4.11 FOR SELF-CONTAINED METERING; SECTION 4.10.7 AND 4.12 FOR TRANSFORMER-RATED METERING.

- SELF-CONTAINED PV PRODUCTION METERING WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE PV GENERATION WIRED TO THE LINE SIDE TERMINALS (TOP OF METER BLOCK).

- THE METER SOCKET FOR THE PV PRODUCTION METER SHALL BE MARKED WITH A STAMPED BRASS, ALUMINUM, OR STAINLESS-STEEL TAG INDICATING THE ADDRESS INCLUDING THE UNIT, TYPICALLY “PV PROD” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR “METER IDENTIFICATION” IN SECTION 4.14.4 OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK)


Existing System

  • If the new system has a PV meter (over 10kW) The location of the new production meter must be somewhere where it is only counting the new systems generation
  • List the AC and DC size of existing system on one-line. (Keep the system sizes for new and existing systems separate)
  • The existing system locations needs to be included on the site plan, including the modules. inverters, and AC disconnect.
  • If the existing system has a PM, will need to show line/load side compliant wiring as well as labeling. Match standard Xcel PM label as listed above and use it for the (E)Steel Production meter

Battery System

  • The configuration being applied for shall be clearly indicated on the line diagram. (2A, 2B, 3A, etc.)
  • Tesla is only approved for storage configuration 2C (3B/3M for powerwall 3)
  • Enphase Energy IQ Battery 3, Enphase Energy IQ Battery 3T, Enphase Energy IQ Battery 5P, Enphase Energy IQ Battery 10, Enphase Energy IQ Battery 10T (2C configuration)
  • phase and voltage added to gateway
  • An ESS declaration for the correct configuration type must be uploaded. The declaration must be correctly filled out dated and signed (Solaredge ESS are only approved for 3B configuration)
  • See the SLD sample in the file attached "Storage Guidance 2 08062020_R0" and "Storage Guidance 3 08062020_R0" "Section 230.67 of the new 2020 NEC requires the installation of a surge-protective device (SPD) for all dwelling unit service entrances.
  • New and replaced electrical equipment and systems must incorporate Type 1 or Type 2 SPDs.
  • For energy storage systems: the configuration being applied for shall be clearly indicated
  • ESS charge source and storage export must be provided. Charge source must be solar only for Renewable Battery Connect
  • Energy Storage System must include the model number
  • For TPW3 use 1707000-XX-Y
Electric Service Reqs

Section 230.67 of the new 2020 NEC requires the installation of Type 1 or Type 2 surge-protective devices (SPD) for new and replaced electrical equipment. See "Surge Protection and NEC 2020" in Files section of this page.


If the project includes MPU, minimum Type 2 SPD must be installed.


Hot/Split bus panel are not approved in this utility - MPU required

Install Reqs

INSTALLATIONS 10 KW AND UNDER Except for certified interconnection packages, all installations in this class will require a design and relay review by the Company (i.e., metering and relaying one-lines, protection, and control schematics, relay setting sheets, and nameplate data of the generator(s), breaker(s), and disconnect switch(es)).22 The Company will determine if a relay and site inspection (i.e., witnessing the calibration and testing of the relays and operation of the generator and breakers, see Section 7) is also required. Most installations in this class feature a certified interconnection package. Each package will be reviewed to verify that it is certified and applied in a manner consistent with its certification. Relay settings will be reviewed for inverters certified under IEEE 1547a. The protective relaying details are shown in Figure 10.1 A & B. If stand-alone energy storage (battery) is installed, see Figure 10.1 C and D. The installation must be permanently wired into a suitable load center in accordance with the NEC (see Article 690 for PV and 702 for Standby). A lockable disconnect switch must be provided, as shown in Section 4.2, that is readily accessible to the Company’s personnel. This switch is to be at the metering point unless an alternate location is readily accessible and easily identifiable. The Company must approve the alternate location and a durable map or written sign should be provided at the metering or PCC location indicating the location of the switch.

Placards

ONLY when the "Utility AC disconnect" is required, reference with this exact wording: "UTILITY PV AC DISCONNECT" on Placard


INCLUDE NOTE on placard page (if not auto-filled):

"Placard Verbiage (Both disco and billing meter)

The drawing or description of the placard must clearly indicate the following:

• Installation location

• Made of weatherproof & durable material such as hard plastic or metal

• Permanently attached to the meter socket with screws or rivets

• At least 1-½” high by 3” wide with Arial Bold font"

Meter Num Req SLD 3LD
0
ESID Num Req SLD 3LD
0
Site Plan Notes

All Jobs [- All utility equipment shall have 24/7 unescorted keyless access // - The Utility AC Disconnect and production meter (if applicable) shall be located together in a readily accessible location within 10' of the main service meter. // - UTILITY METER IS 3 WIRE, SINGLE PHASE]


Overhead [No overhead clearance issues]


Underground [No overhead service lines exist]

Cover Page Notes

All Jobs [IF APPLICABLE, XCEL ENERGY TO ASSUME THE RPA IS LOCATED AT THE AC SIDE OF THE INVERTER OR ENPHASE COMBINER]

Electrical Diagram Notes

All Jobs [- DER SYSTEM, PRODUCTION METER (IF APPLICABLE), INVERTER AND UTILITY METER ARE SINGLE PHASE, 240 VOLT 3-WIRE - THIS DRAWING IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ALL TESTING SHALL BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, WITH PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - YELLOW PLACARD WITH BLACK LETTERING "UTILITY PV AC DISCONNECT" TO BE LOCATED ON UTILITY AC DISCONNECT - YELLOW PLACARD WITH BLACK LETTERING “PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM CONNECTED” TO BE LOCATED ON MAIN UTILITY BILLING METER - BOTH PLACARDS ARE MADE OF WEATHERPROOF AND DURABLE MATERIAL SUCH AS HARD PLASTIC OR METAL - PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE METER AND DISCONNECT ENCLOSURE WITH SCREWS OR RIVETS - AT LEAST 1-½” HIGH BY 3” WIDE WITH ARIAL BOLD FONT // - THE PV PRODUCTION METERING (IF APPLICABLE) SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOST RECENT REVISION OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK): SECTION 4.11 FOR SELF-CONTAINED METERING; SECTION 4.10.7. - SELF-CONTAINED PV PRODUCTION METERING WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE PV GENERATION WIRED TO THE LINE SIDE TERMINALS (TOP OF METER BLOCK) - THE METER SOCKET FOR THE PV PRODUCTION METER SHALL BE MARKED WITH A STAMPED BRASS, ALUMINUM, OR STAINLESS-STEEL TAG INDICATING THE ADDRESS INCLUDING THE UNIT, TYPICALLY “PV PROD” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR “METER IDENTIFICATION” IN SECTION 4.14.4 OF THE XCEL ENERGY STANDARD FOR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION AND USE (BLUE BOOK)] 

Rate Schedule Link
link
Website
link
Phone
(303) 571-7652

Other details

Restrict Inspection
0
Address ID
108065
Express Planset Eligible
No
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with Xcel Energy (CO) before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.