Solar power in Colorado

Solar roof installation, Grand Junction

Solar power in Colorado has grown rapidly, partly because of one of the most favorable net metering laws in the country, with no limit on the number of users.[1][2] The state was the first in the nation to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard for its electric utilities.[3]

Colorado consumers typically obtain varying amounts of solar power from rooftop solar, community solar gardens, and larger solar farms. Colorado is home to many solar installers which are ranked annually by the amount of power installed.[4] Several thousand people are employed in solar-energy-related activities throughout the state.[3] A few companies have attempted to establish solar panel manufacturing operations in Colorado: including Abound Solar, Ascent Solar, and Primestar Solar.[5] Colorado was the first state where Dow introduced some of the earliest solar shingles.[6]

Fitting solar panels, Norwood

The Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA), a state affiliate of the national non-profit Solar Energy Industries Association, supports solar use and industry growth through its efforts which include both business and residential consumer education.[7] The Interstate Renewable Energy Council is also a source for information on consumer protection, workforce development, and for other news affecting industry developments in the state.[8]

Solar cars in Boulder

Colorado's colleges and universities support educational and research programs in solar power science and technology,[9][10] and in the related interdisciplinary subjects of energy, environment, and sustainability.[11][12] Golden, Colorado is home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and to the Golden Field Office of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, both of which are funded by the United States Department of Energy. The Rocky Mountain Institute with offices in Boulder and Basalt in also especially dedicated to promoting efficient energy use within the world's rapidly developing economies.

  1. ^ "A Landmark Settlement in Colorado Over Solar Grid Fees: 'This Could Be a Model'". greentechmedia.com. August 16, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. ^ "How does net metering work in Colorado". reenergizeco.com. June 7, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  3. ^ a b "State of Colorado, Energy Office, Renewable Energy Standard". colorado.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  4. ^ Solar Power World, 2018 Top Colorado Contractors
  5. ^ "First Solar Acquires GE's Primestar Solar IP". greentechmedia.com. August 6, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  6. ^ "DOW Brings the Revolutionary DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle to U.S. Markets". businesswire.com. October 4, 2011.
  7. ^ Colorado Solar Industries Association website
  8. ^ "Interstate Renewable Energy Council - Colorado". irecusa.org. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  9. ^ "CSU Sustainability Initiative - Solar Energy Research". colostate.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  10. ^ "CU Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute". colorado.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  11. ^ "UNC Environmental and Sustainability Studies". unco.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  12. ^ "CU Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Community". colorado.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2019.