Updated by Staff

DENVER -Several Wells Fargo stores in Colorado became the first in the company to use solar energy when the recently installed solar photovoltaic systems at 10 Denver Metro stores were activated today.  The systems were designed and installed by Denver-based Namasté Solar.

Wells Fargo also announced an incentive to help make solar more manageable for its Colorado customers.  Through June 30, 2010, qualified customers who apply for a home equity loan or line of credit worth $15,000 or more to finance a solar energy system for their home will receive up to $1,000 in incentives.  Three Colorado-based solar companies are participating in the incentive - Bella Energy, Namasté Solar and REC Solar.  Complete details are available at all Wells Fargo stores in Colorado.

“Our company’s goal is to be a responsible environmental steward in every community where we do business,” said Nathan Christian, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Colorado.  “That means we must incorporate environmental responsibility into our daily business practices, operations and culture.  I’m proud that Colorado is the first across Wells Fargo to put solar on our stores and to offer our customers a special incentive so they can put solar on their homes.”

“We were very impressed when Wells Fargo approached us with the vision of implementing its solar panel pilot program on its bank locations,” said Blake Jones, president and CEO of Namasté Solar.  “Wells Fargo is one of the most respected financial institutions in the nation and we applaud them for setting a positive example in environmental stewardship.  This innovative program proves that businesses of all types can benefit from solar electricity.  We’re also pleased to be part of the incentive program to expand solar to homeowners in Colorado.”

A portion of each store’s electricity needs are met by the system, resulting in a net savings in electric utility expenses.  The systems contribute toward Colorado’s goal of meeting 20 percent of its energy needs with renewable energy sources by 20201.  In aggregate, the 10 systems have 1,177 panels and generate more than 220 kW of clean, renewable power.  This equates to a carbon emission avoidance of nearly 590,600 pounds per year or an equivalent vehicle mile reduction of approximately 646,000 miles per year according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .

The 10 stores in the pilot - listed below - were chosen based on roof characteristics, electrical infrastructure, and clearance from trees and other buildings.

 98th & Grant, 9828 Grant St., Thornton
Alameda and Wadsworth, 7950 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood
Arapahoe Crossings, 6686 S. Parker Road, Aurora
Aurora City Center, 999 S. Sable Blvd., Aurora
Dry Creek and Yosemite, 7360 S. Yosemite St., Centennial
Highlands Ranch South, 4165 E. Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch
Lone Tree, 9233 E. Lincoln Ave., Lone Tree
Meridian, 12628 Washington Lane, Englewood
Southglenn, 6733 S. University Blvd., Centennial
Standley Lake, 10001 Wadsworth Parkway, Westminster