Adobe Solar - Quality Solar Electric Solutions

Adobe Solar Blog

Adobe Solar Blog

Many are expecting Xcel Energy to reduce solar rebates soon! As cash runs low and 2009 on-site solar installations for Xcel customer’s reach 8MW, many in Colorado’s solar industry expect that the solar rebate for Xcel Energy customers will be lowered in the coming months.

Just to give a little history, the first time Xcel Energy lowered their solar rebate  was last October. On Oct. 23, 2009 Xcel filed a notice with the Colorado PUC that it was cutting its payments for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) associated with small solar power systems that generate up to 10 kilowatts of power. This letter said that as of 11:50 p.m. on Oct. 24 (roughly 30 hours after the filing) the new payment would be $1.50 per watt instead of $2.50. This change set off a mad rush from Colorado’s solar installation companies, which filed about 1,300 applications for the program in the day before the deadline.

Basically the upfront cash solar ebate for an average system size of 4 Kilowatt’s was dropped from $18,000.00 to $14,000.00. Xcel later explained that their first solar rebate reduction was needed due to the Oct. 3, $700 federal billion bailout package which lifted the $2,000.00 residential cap on the 30% Federal Tax Credit available for solar powered systems.

If you are interested in going solar the time may be now. Solar panel prices have fallen 30% in recent months, lowering costs to customers and increasing the ROI (Return on Investment) for solar electric systems. Currently, Xcel’s solar rebate and REC payment total $3.50 (DC watt) and combined with the 30% federal tax credit being offered, customers 70%-80% of the installed cost of a solar powered system.  Rebates to go solar in Colorado may never be better!

At this time, Xcel is still accepting solar rebate applications. If you are considering installing a solar powered system we suggest applying for your Xcel solar rebate as soon as possible, your free rebate application will lock in your solar system at the current level and provide you with up to a year to install your solar system.   If you are interested in understanding more about solar, or if your home or business is a good fit, Adobe Solar performs free site evaluation for your home or commercial property. Using the information gathered the solar site evaluation an Adobe associate will be able to design a system to meet your specific needs and submit your application to lock in your Xcel solar rewards rebate.

Request a FREE SOLAR SITE EVALUTION from Adobe Solar : CLICK HERE

For more information on Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Rebate Program: CLICK HERE

 |  (0) Comments

On June 20, 2009 Colorado was selected as one of only 7 states to receive more than $162 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects including solar. Colorado was awarded $19,688,800 in Recovery Act SEP funds which will be used for several projects around the state designed to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. These projects include a suite of products aimed at removing financial barriers to rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, including offering access to short-term and intermediate low-cost capital to projects in the commercial, residential and industrial sectors.
The recently awarded Recovery Act funds, will enable Colorado to substantially expand its Renewable Energy Rebates and Grants Program across the residential, commercial and industrial/utility sectors. Additionally, the office will promote greater energy efficiency in new and existing homes with programs such as a “whole house tune-up” that bundles efficiency incentives for homes.
Upon demonstrating the successful implementation of its plan, Colorado will be eligible to receive an additional $24 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $49 million.

 |  (0) Comments

On July 9, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of Energy came together to announce that an estimated $3 billion will be made available for the development of renewable energy projects around the United States. The announcement also provided guidance for businesses wishing to submit successful application to the grant program.
The solar grant program was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and will provide businesses direct payments in lieu of tax credits in support of solar and a variety of other types of renewable energy production facilities.
The Recovery Act authorized the department of Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009.
In previous years, the 30% tax credit has been widely used, and has played a large part in encouraging the development of renewable energy in the United States. However, with the slowing economy many businesses lost their tax appetite making it more difficult to finance large commercial solar electric systems.
The recently announced tax grant should make a difference and combined with other solar rebates in Colorado, the federal solar tax grant should help to great jobs, and boost Colorado’s solar industry.

 |  (0) Comments

Daniel Gross of Newsweek recently posted an insightful article outlining the ways that Denver and Colorado are national leaders for the green movement.

He sees Colorado as a microcosm of the future direction of the nation, a place where renewable energy, infrastructure, and public transit investments drive a struggling economy.  

In his article, he demonstrates how these investments might be the factors creating more jobs, investments, and corporate relocations in our region.  

http://www.newsweek.com/id/203694

 |  (0) Comments