Aug. 25--Time is running out for Coloradans wanting to take advantage of Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards program.

The deadline to submit all necessary paperwork to Xcel for the one-time renewable energy payments is Oct. 1, according to Xcel spokesman Tom Henley.

Henley on Thursday reminded Southern Coloradans who are not served by Xcel's electrical utility that they still may apply for the rebate of up to $2.50 per renewable energy credits for solar- powered systems installed in their homes. Xcel Energy also will rebate customers $2 per watt of solar panels installed on qualified customer premises.

Henley said the rebates apply to all solar-power systems, even first-generation types installed in the late 1970s.

"(The systems) can range from (those generating) half a kilowatt up to 10 kilowatts. The only catch is time is running very short," he said.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, by using 2 kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity a year, people are able to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions equal to those of driving approximately 6,200 miles in a car.

Xcel officials say the company has paid $1.2 million to program participants since the effort began March 1. The Solar Rewards program is one result of the voter-passed Amendment 37 in 2004.

For more information, go to the Web site, www.xcelenergy.com/ solar.