Solar Energy Update
June 2017
PUC Approves Advanced Grid and Decoupling Cases
 
Two major cases affecting the future of electricity in our state were decided in COSEIA's favor by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission in oral rulings recently. The PUC approved the settlement of an Xcel Energy plan that will create a more advanced electric distribution grid, and another request from the utility to implement rates that will "decouple" Xcel's  incentive to sell more electricity from its ability to cover its fixed costs.

The PUC endorsed a settlement reached by a broad group of intervenors, including COSEIA, that will allow Xcel to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and associated components of an advanced communications network for customers. The improvements
 will boost power reliability, allow for better integration of distributed generation onto the electric grid, and provide customers with more information to control and track their energy use. COSEIA was especially concerned about consumers having access to their own energy data, and commissioners emphasized consumer rights in their deliberations.

In the other major decision, the PUC endorsed decoupling for small commercial as well as residential customers. An Administrative Law Judge had recommended against including commercial customers. The Revenue Decoupling Adjustment  is intended to remove Xcel's disincentive for encouraging both energy efficiency and distributed generation. Under decoupling,the PUC establishes a target level of sales for the utility. The PUC then compares actual revenue to the target level, and makes adjustments. 

Background information on both cases is posted on the COSEIA web site in the news section here  and written decisions on both cases will be posted there when they are issued. 

Request for Tariffs Could Double Solar Panel Prices 

A solar trade case pending before the International Trade Commission poses significant risks to the entire U.S. solar industry, believes the Solar Energy Industries Association. This petition was filed by Suniva, a Chinese-owned solar company that has filed for bankruptcy,and supported by SolarWorld, a German-owned solar company. They  are requesting that the federal government impose tariffs on imported solar cells and establish minimum prices on imported solar panels.
 
SEIA estimates that if the companies prevail, solar panel prices will double and the solar industry will lose up to 88,000 solar jobs nationally - and about 2,000 in Colorado.
 
COSEIA is asking member companies to let us know if you want to sign on to a letter that will be sent to members of our Congressional delegation. Please email Rebecca at  rcantwell@coseia.org if your company wants to sign on. There is also a model letter on the COSEIA web site you can use to send your own letter.  Companies are also asked to fill out a questionnaire on the case. You can find more details and a template letter  here .

Solar Industry Comes Together to Celebrate the Solstice

The Solstice Celebration June 21 on the grounds of the Colorado Governor's Mansion was a big success with about 300 guests enjoying conversation, lawn games, trivia and the wonderful bluegrass music provided by Thunder and Rain. Guests commented it was a rare chance for solar workers from a variety of companies to come together and party!

The event will support the  education and policy work of New Energy Colorado , a COSEIA- affiliated nonprofit. NECO works to educate Coloradans about clean energy. It is the home of our Solar CitiSuns initiative which encourages people to show their support for solar and joining a growing community willing to learn and get involved.

In addition to photos here, you can see more on the COSEIA  Facebook Page.

Thanks to all of our great sponsors: CertainTeed Solar, EcoMark Solar,
Sunrun, Namaste Solar, New Resource Bank, BriteStreet Energy, QuickmountPV, Aztech Energy and Clean Energy Collective

 Special thanks to COSEIA Board member Kate Collardson of  CertainTeed Solar for her efforts spearheading planning for the Solstice Celebration.

McCarthy to build Weld County Solar Farm

The Poudre Valley Electric Association expects its new solar farm will include more than 40,000 panels and serve more than 600 customers through the 3.5 megawatt array. Under construction in the town of Kersey in Weld County, the 30-acre  Platte Valley Solar Farm will be a project of Nashville, Tenn.-based Silicon Ranch Corp.  McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. will build the project and and plans to hire local subcontractors and craftsmen to provide the bulk of on-site construction work for the project, which is expected to last approximately three months. Read more  here.

Arion Energy Aquires SunKey Solar

Arion Energy announced the successful acquisition of Sustainable Designs, LLC DBA SunKey Solar, a Colorado distributed generation solar EPC contractor.  SunKey, a privately owned company, has designed, and constructed more than 400 residential and commercial solar PV systems across Colorado and surrounding States since its inception in 2013. Read more here.
Opportunities
Boulder County Offers PV Rebates

Boulder County' has released a  Solar PV Rebate to help moderate income Boulder County residents afford a solar array. Eligible Boulder County residents can now apply for and receive $1/watt up to $3,000 to aid them in purchasing or leasing rooftop solar.

EnergySmart IQ Solar PV Rebate Details:
  • Home must be located within Boulder County and owned by the applicant.
  • Homeowner must enroll in EnergySmart and receive written confirmation that an EnergySmart IQ rebate has been reserved in their name, prior to signing a contract with a solar contractor.
  • Income qualifications- ≤  120% of the Boulder County Household Median Income found here.
  • $1.00/watt and up to $3,000 per home can be awarded.
  • Solar incentive will be paid directly to the homeowner.
Funds are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fort Collins Utilities Offers Commercial Solar Purchase Program 
 
Fort Collins Utilities has opened its Solar Power Purchase Program to incentivize the installation of new local solar systems on facilities of commercial customers. The basis is a fixed-price 20-year power purcha se agreement between Utilities and system owners for solar generation.
 
Commercial customers may enter agreements with solar developers for installation of the systems, which may include financing, lease-purchase and rooftop property leasing.

Applications for the 2017 SP3 program will be accepted through Sept. 8, 2017.
Further details on the program can be found here .
For questions: contact  sp3Application@fcgov.com  or  970-416-2312

Black Hills Offers RFP for New Resources 
 
 Black Hills Energy is seeking  up to 60 megawatts of eligible energy resources in Phase II of its 2016 Electric Resource Plan (2016 ERP). Black Hills is conducting this competitive bid to determine if it can acquire eligible energy resources that will save customers money and renewable energy credits for compliance with Colorado's Renewable Energy Standard.  The solicitation will be completed online.

Black Hills will host a webinar on July 10, 2017 to review the bid criteria, evaluation process, bid policies, transmission and point of delivery details, dispatch and control requirements and the RFP schedule.  Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. MDT, August 4, 2017. For more information about the RFP, bid policies and to submit a proposal go to Black Hills Energy's Eligible Energy .
 
Upcoming Events

 
Announcing the Inaugural 
Clean Energy Means Business  Corporate Summit
 
November 7-8, 2017 | History Colorado Center, Denver 

Business leaders in the mountain west are increasingly seeking ways to lower
energy costs and advance sustainability plans. This gathering will provide executives and energy management leaders concrete information about how to pursue clean energy projects and save money by managing energy costs.  Sponsored by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association(COSEIA), the event will showcase regional and national pioneers in the corporate clean energy space. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights on clean energy solutions, best practices and financing strategies. For more information on attending or sponsoring this event, please visit our website  here.

NREL's 40th Anniversary

Wednesday, July 12, 7 pm - Jefferson Unitarian Church

Denis Hayes: How NREL Won The Long Game for Clean Power 

This event marks the 40th Anniversary of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and its predecessor, the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI).
Hayes was SERI's second director and famously co-founded Earth Days. 

Co-sponsored by New Energy Colorado, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society , and the JUC Green Task Force. Free, donations welcome.
14350 W. 32nd Ave Golden, CO 80401 

Energy Day 2017
 
September 23, 2017 | Denver East High School

Energy Day 2017 is Colorado's inaugural FREE family festival showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Energy Day will feature interactive demonstrations and exhibits with industry experts to spark students' interest in energy, efficiency, conservation and STEM careers. Participants of all ages will enjoy music, food and fun activities.


Denver Metro Green Homes Tour

October 7, 2017 | American Mountaineering Center, Golden, CO

Come and see some of the most green homes in the Denver Metro! Register  at the American Mountaineering Museum, receive the map, guidebook, and take the self-guided tour.  Visit each "green" home and talk with the home owners and volunteers about the green features of each home.  Full details are available  online



U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathalon

October 5th-15th | The 61st and Pena Blvd. Light Rail Station

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a collegiate competition made up of 10 contests that challenge student teams to design and build full-size, solar-powered houses. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends design excellence and smart energy production with innovation, market potential, and energy and water efficiency. Additional activities will include educational talks provided by COSEIA.  

More details can be found here.
 
ASES Solar 2017

October 7-12, 2017 | CU Denver

SOLAR 2017 marks the American Solar Energy Society's 46th annual National Solar Conference, an event long-regarded for delivering cutting-edge research and valuable trends and analysis to the solar and renewable energy community.

More details can be found here.
 

Know Someone Who Wants to Join COSEIA? 
 
Elevate your business and establish your organization as a solar leader. Become a member of Colorado's solar trade association.
 
  • Post news releases on our website homepage for free
  • Promote your organization in our directory of solar businesses
  • Benefit from website and sponsorship advertising opportunities
  • Get professional recognition throughout Colorado and beyond
  • Optimize financing for residential and commercial projects
  • Reach valuable prospects - we are frequently contacted by developers and solar customers - we'll connect them with your business
To learn more about the advantages of COSEIA membership, contact Keelin Kelly at 303.333.7342 or visit www.COSEIA.org 
  Join COSEIA Button 
SOLAR INDUSTRY JOBS
rooftop 8.2012
Visit the jobs page on the COSEIA Website for regular updates! 

Find out what jobs are open now that may fit your skills and interests.