A Local Green Ordinance That Will Protect Solar

Below is the text of a letter a group of people are going to read to the City Council Monday 15 September 2008 regarding a local ordinance that would protect a solar system's access to the sun. Come Monday to City Hall at 250 North 5th Street at about 5 minutes before 7PM.

"To whom it may concern,

We are writing to ask that the city of Grand Junction join with other progressive cities across Colorado to enact an ordinance which would guarantee solar access for businesses and homeowners with solar energy systems.

Across the nation, alternative energy is being viewed as increasingly viable and in fact necessary to meet the energy demands of the future. Alternative energy is gaining increasing favor within Colorado as well. In fact, in 2004 Colorado passed Amendment 37, which requires any utility company that provides power to more than 40,000 customers to derive 10% of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2015. Of the many forms of alternative power which are available, solar energy is widely regarded as one of the most attractive and feasible.

Amendment 37 further states, "…in order to save consumers and businesses money, attract new business and jobs, promote development of rural economies, minimize water use for electricity generation, diversify Colorado's energy resources, reduce the impact of volatile fuel prices and improve the natural environment of the state, it is in the best interest of the state, …and the citizens of Colorado to develop and utilize renewable energy resource to the maximum practicable extent."

The popularity of solar power is reflected in the more than 300 solar installations which currently are in place, both residentially and commercially in Grand Junction. Additionally, considerable interest has been expressed by other Grand Junction residents who do not currently own solar systems but who state that they would be willing to do so if a solar protection ordinance were in place.

A solar installation represents considerable upfront expense, and, while it does more than pay for itself in the end, it is a long term investment, and as such, it is natural on the part of the owner to desire that their solar access be protected, thus ensuring their returns. In response to this need, many cities within Colorado have already enacted ordinances to ensure solar protection.

Grand Junction is particularly suited to capitalize on the many advantages of solar energy, as we receive more than 275 days of sunshine annually. This desirable climate and the excellent air quality have served to draw people and businesses to Grand Junction and have contributed to its rise as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

City manager Laurie Kadrich has cited the mission statement for the city of Grand Junction as being “the most livable community west of the Rockies by 2025”. To accomplish this goal, it is natural to seek to preserve those things which have long made the grand valley so desirable. By protecting and cultivating solar energy, we are preserving the quality of the air, helping generate business, and are taking a progressive step towards the vision of true livability. "

Remember:

Monday, Sept. 15th

6:55PM

250 North 5th Street (City Hall)

Thanks to Angela Fullerton

Report details Growth of “Grid-Tie” Solar Electric Systems in the Grand Valley of Colorado

Solar Energy is the single fastest growing energy source in the world. Solar cells that produce electricity are also known as “photovoltaics” (PV). PV uses semiconductor materials to convert sunlight into electric current (photons to electrons). Right now PV only provides a small portion of the world’s electricity - a generation capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW). But due to technology improvements, cost declines, increase in fossil fuel costs, and favorable public and business policies in many states and nations, the annual PV production has increased by more than 25 percent a year. The largest markets for PV are in Germany, Japan, Spain, and the US. U.S. PV manufacturing grew by 74 percent in 2007 and U.S. PV installations grew by 45 percent in 2007 to 150 MW, both among the fastest growth rates in the world. Colorado is among the top 5 states in solar production and growth. And the Western Slope of Colorado, specifically, the Grand Valley is no exception.

Before the Spring of 2006, there were no “grid-tie” solar electric systems in the Grand Valley of Colorado. In the Spring of 2006, the first “grid-tie” was installed in a residence in GJ. Since the Spring of 2006, there have been over 200 “grid-tie” solar electric systems installed in the Grand Valley. And by the end of 2008, there will be approximately 300 “grid-tie” systems in the Grand Valley.

The Report “Residential and Commercial Customer Sited PV in Grand Junction, CO (GJGT)” will be released in the Fall of 2008 by the Grand Valley Solar Center.

Bio

The principal author of the Report is Louis A. Villaire. Mr. Villaire is a 25 year veteran of the energy industry, a former energy analyst at the Gas Technology Institute (oil and gas development), a researcher at the US Environmental Protection Agency, and now a solar industry market analyst and project developer. Mr. Villaire has an undergraduate degree in renewable energy engineering and environmental science and policy, a master’s degree in energy and environmental policy, and is a political science PhD candidate completing his dissertation in state energy policy.