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.