Dear Marti,
Are there some links or resources I can use to get my home powered by renewable energy, either wind or solar…or both?
Thanks,
Sandra W.
Dear Sandra,
When I was in third grade, the era of Jimmy Carter, long lines at the gas station, and the birth of solar calculators, our optimistic teacher Mrs. Rader told us that by the time we’d be graduating from college, buildings would all be powered by solar. While Mrs. R’s projections were just a smidgen off (don’t do the math, it’s almost a couple of decades), she was right; renewables are our future.
The benefits of renewable energy are as boundless as the energy supply. Renewables reduce air pollution, emit less or no climate-changing greenhouse gases, provide energy security through domestic, if not local harvesting, and are not subject to the same price volatility as the fossil fuel market. All good stuff—but you knew that. What you may not know is that our community is getting on board with renewables faster than any other in Colorado. The Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized the city of Boulder’s leadership in purchasing renewable power and declared it the first Green Power Community in Colorado. It’s now easier than ever for more of us throughout the region to keep that momentum going and sign up for renewables to set a standard for the nation.
Winds of Change
Wind power is the world's fastest-growing energy source, increasingly economically competitive with heavily subsidized fossil fuels. By signing up for wind, households can reduce their emissions by 30-50 percent. You can sign up for wind power either through your local utility or through independent renewable energy companies.
Go to www.cogreenpower.org, a project of Western Resource Advocates, for a list of renewable purchase options in Colorado, or visit www.green-e.org. Boulder residents can get info on signing up for wind at www.environmentalaffairs.com, and Longmont residents can sign up at www.ci.longmont.co.us/lpc/gen/wind_energy.htm.
Soaking up the Rays
In Colorado, where we average 300 sunny days a year, it’s just common sense that we take advantage of that big ball of energy in the sky. Of course the initial cost of a solar installation can be a challenge, but there are some cost-effective options.
The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) offers an Orphan Solar Program where used solar thermal systems, some in need of repair, are being brought back to life utilizing funds from Boulder County’s “Drop in The Bucket” program. This low-cost program provides troubleshooting assessments to consumers and covers half of the cost of repairs up to $500. Check out more CRC energy programs, including their upcoming photovoltaic (PV) design and installation workshop, as well as information on solar installers at www.conservationcenter.org.
Xcel Energy offers rebates on solar PV systems installed after 12/1/04. These rebates are required under Amendment 37, passed by Colorado voters in 2004. Systems under 10kW, which would include most residential systems, receive a $4.50/watt rebate, as well as a federal tax credit. Look for the Solar Rewards Program at www.xcelenergy.com.
The feds are also giving you a break for going with renewables and for making energy efficient upgrades in your home or business. Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and PV systems. The credit is for 30 percent of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. Go to http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits for more information. You can also request a guide to federal tax credits from the Solar Energy Industries Association at http://www.seia.org.
So, Sandra (and Mrs. Rader, wherever you are), the renewable energy future is finally here. It doesn’t matter who’s in the White House now, it’s happening, and we as a community have a significant opportunity to lead the way.
