If you live in Basalt and want to electrify your home, upgrade comfort, and lower energy bills, you do not have to pay full price. The Roaring Fork Valley has a rich mix of local, utility, state, and federal incentives that you can combine to reduce out-of-pocket costs. The trick is knowing the rules, timing, and paperwork so you do not accidentally leave money on the table. This guide shows you how to stack CORE, Holy Cross Energy, and Colorado incentives the right way. Let’s dive in.
What programs cover Basalt
CORE at a glance
CORE, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency, serves Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley with an energy concierge, contractor guidance, and significant funding for projects that cut emissions. In 2024–2025, CORE refreshed its offerings and can fund up to $200,000 per qualifying building project that delivers measurable savings and greenhouse gas reductions. CORE also helps you navigate other incentives. Learn more in CORE’s announcement about enhanced funding and services: CORE offers enhanced funding across three counties.
Holy Cross Energy rebates
Holy Cross Energy (HCE) provides rebates to members in Basalt for electrification, efficiency, solar, batteries, and EV chargers. Typical residential rebates cover about 25% of qualifying costs, up to $3,000 per year. Income-qualified members may receive up to 50% of costs, up to $7,500 per year. HCE also offers per-kilowatt solar and battery incentives, with higher battery payments for customers who enroll in grid programs. Review current rules and deadlines on HCE’s page: Energy efficiency and rebates.
Colorado state incentives
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is rolling out federal Home Energy Rebate programs and maintains Colorado tax credits, including EV credits. These rebates can be large, but many require registered contractors and specific application timing. Check CEO’s hub for current details and rollout phases: Colorado home energy incentives and federal tax credits. For EV purchases, see the state’s page on Colorado EV tax credits.
Federal tax credits
Homeowners commonly use the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for qualifying upgrades and the Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar and batteries. Review the IRS page for current categories and requirements: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
How stacking works
Payment types matter
Incentives come as grants, rebates, point-of-sale discounts, utility subsidies, or tax credits. The form can affect federal tax calculations. The IRS clarified that state-run DOE Home Energy Rebate Program payments are treated as rebates that reduce purchase price and may affect how you compute certain federal credits. See the IRS guidance: Tax treatment of energy rebates.
Timing and caps
Many programs have application windows and annual caps. HCE typically requires you to submit within a set period after your invoice, often within 90 days. There are also per-account limits each year. Income-qualified tracks may increase rebate amounts. Always confirm the latest details with HCE: Energy efficiency and rebates.
Tax credit coordination
If you plan to claim federal credits, keep detailed invoices and copies of any rebates or grants. Some rebates reduce the cost basis used to calculate credits. The IRS guidance above explains how DOE-funded rebates interact with federal credits. Good records help your tax professional apply the rules correctly.
Step-by-step plan for Basalt
- Start with CORE
- Contact CORE’s energy concierge for a quick assessment, funding fit, and contractor guidance. CORE can also help you align your project with utility and state rules. See: CORE enhanced funding and services.
- Confirm Holy Cross Energy requirements
- Verify HCE membership and measure-specific rules for heat pumps, water heaters, solar, batteries, EV chargers, and smart panels. Note model and performance thresholds and whether pre-approval or inspections apply. See: HCE rebates and rules.
- Check Colorado state program steps
- If you plan to use CEO rebates, confirm whether you must use a registered contractor and when to apply. CEO’s pages outline program phases and eligibility: Colorado home energy incentives.
- Prepare for federal credits
- If you will claim federal credits, gather line-item invoices showing equipment and labor, proof of payment, model numbers, and any AHRI or ENERGY STAR documentation. Keep copies of rebate approvals and who paid them. See IRS guidance: Tax treatment of energy rebates.
- Follow this sequence
- Pre-approval if required
- Select contractor and sign an itemized contract
- Install and retain final documentation
- Apply for HCE rebates within the stated window
- Apply for CORE funding per its instructions
- Apply for CEO rebates using any required registered contractor steps
- Claim federal credits when you file taxes
- Keep a documentation folder
- Save itemized invoices, model numbers, serials, AHRI or ENERGY STAR certificates, proof of payment, rebate approvals, CORE award letters, HCE enrollment confirmations, contractor qualifications, and all dates.
- Watch deadlines
- Programs and tax rules change over time. Check CORE, HCE, and CEO pages before you sign a contract so your timeline fits current rules.
Popular projects to stack
Cold-climate heat pump
- Combine HCE’s percentage rebate, potential CORE funding, and CEO rebates when available. Federal credits may apply to qualifying equipment.
Heat pump water heater
- Pair HCE rebates with CEO rebates when active and consider federal credits for eligible models.
Rooftop solar and batteries
- HCE offers per-kilowatt solar rebates and battery incentives that increase if you enroll in programs that let HCE use your battery during events. Review HCE’s program details: HCE energy efficiency and rebates and solar information: HCE solar rates.
EV chargers and smart panels
- HCE provides rebates for Level 2 chargers and smart panels. State EV tax credits may reduce the upfront cost of a new vehicle: Colorado EV tax credits.
Weatherization and insulation
- Insulation and air sealing can qualify for HCE support, CORE funding, and federal credits in eligible categories.
Pro tips for smooth stacking
- Get pre-approval when required and confirm whether rebates go to you or the contractor.
- Ask your contractor to itemize equipment and labor on every invoice.
- Use CEO-registered contractors if the state program requires it.
- Enroll in HCE’s flexibility or time-of-day programs if you want higher battery incentives and you are comfortable with event participation.
- Apply within HCE’s post-installation window, often within 90 days of the invoice date.
- Keep every document. You will need them for rebates and when claiming tax credits.
Multifamily and large projects
If you manage a multifamily building or a larger Basalt property, CORE’s refreshed program can provide significant project-based funding, up to $200,000 for high-impact projects that cut emissions. CORE also helps align utility and state incentives so you can plan a single, coordinated scope. See details here: CORE enhanced funding and services.
Planning upgrades with a market lens can also boost long-term value and appeal. If you want guidance on which improvements today’s Roaring Fork buyers appreciate and how to time projects with a sale or purchase, reach out for a local perspective. For a conversation tailored to your property and goals, connect with Corey Crocker.
FAQs
Can Basalt homeowners stack CORE, HCE, Colorado rebates, and federal credits on one project?
- Often yes, but eligibility, sequencing, and the form of each incentive determine how benefits combine and how federal credits are calculated per IRS guidance on energy rebates.
Do HCE or CORE rebates reduce my federal tax credit amount?
- Not always; some rebates reduce the credit calculation and others do not, which is why you should keep detailed records and apply the IRS rules for each program type.
Who should I contact first in Basalt if I want help stacking incentives?
- Start with CORE’s energy concierge for an overview and referrals, then confirm specific rules and windows with HCE and the Colorado Energy Office.
How do HCE battery incentives work if I enroll in a grid program?
- HCE typically pays higher battery incentives if you enroll in a program that allows HCE to dispatch your battery during events, so review and save the program agreement.
What paperwork should I save to combine multiple incentives for a Basalt home upgrade?
- Keep itemized invoices, model numbers, proof of payment, rebate approvals, CORE award letters, HCE program enrollments, contractor qualifications, and all relevant dates.
