New Legislation and a West Slope Collective Aim to Get Sun Power to More of the People

By Ann Rascalli

BOULDER - Gov.  Ritter’s signing a few days ago of HB 1342 is a legislative move to enable renters and others who are unable to install solar panels on their own roofs to join forces and create community “solar gardens.” Clean Energy Collective, a private company on the West Slope,  is making news with its own approach.

Both aim to broaden the ability of consumers to harness the power of the sun.

Rep. Claire Levy and Sen. Suzanne Williams sponsored the bill Ritter signed, aimed at  helping renters, homeowners and businesses without solar access to own a portion of an off-site solar farm. Subscribers in a solar garden will own a fraction of the system and reap the same financial benefits through utility bill savings as if the system was physically installed on their home or business.

With lawmakers, New Energy Economy advocates and utility officials at his side, Ritter signed the measure atop Boulder’s downtown parking garage, saying that all rooftops have the potential to power America toward a clean-energy future. Colorado expects to have 100,000 solar rooftops by 2020. The Governor was his usual loquacious self when describing another piece of renewable energy legislation that fits into his agenda.

“The concept of community-owned solar projects is gaining traction nationally, and Colorado’s New Energy Economy is once again showing the nation the way forward,” said Gov. Ritter. “Over the past few years, I have signed dozens of clean-energy bills.” 

“These new laws are making Colorado a national and international new-energy leader,” the Governor said. “They are creating thousands of new jobs. They are driving new innovations and new technologies. And they are making renewable, sustainable and clean energy more affordable and accessible to people and businesses throughout the state. Today, we move the New Energy Economy forward yet again.” 

In the Roaring Fork Valley, Clean Energy Collective  is in the early stages of signing up folks to collectively buy into medium-scale, community-based renewable energy facilities and reap the benefits without having to build a system of their own. President Paul Spencer says CEC members leverage their collective purchasing power and buy as little or as much clean energy equipment as they choose at much reduced prices, and are directly credited on their electric bills.

The company recently closed on a long-term lease to build its first member-owned solar array on land owned by the Mid Valley Metropolitan District in the Roaring Fork Valley. Situated on a secluded quarter-acre site just west of the community of El Jebel, the facility will host about 350 solar panels representing 80 kW of clean energy, enough to serve approximately 35 CEC members. Holy Cross Energy, the rural electricity provider in the area supports the CEC program.

UTILITY SUPPORT 

HB 1342 was supported by the state’s largest power company. “Community solar gardens expand the number of customers who can participate in and take advantage of solar,” said David Eves, president and CEO of Public Service Co. of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. “This new law allows those who cannot afford or cannot put solar on their roof or property an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of solar generation.” 

We are delighted that Gov. Ritter has chosen to recognize the role that Boulder played in shaping both of these important bills, and we’d like to thank all of the elected officials and community members who helped make them possible,” said Boulder Mayor Susan Osborne. “We are looking forward to the positive impacts these laws will have.”