XCEL ENERGY TO REDUCE SOLAR PAYMENTS BEFORE 2010!

“GO GREEN” Page Article from Grand Junction Free Press for Monday 2 November 2009

XCEL ENERGY SET TO REDUCE SOLAR PAYMENTS BEFORE 2010!

GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESSES AND HOMEOWNERS ACT NOW!

On 28 October 2009 Xcel Energy submitted its 2010 “Renewable Energy Standard Compliance Plan” to the Colorado Public Utility Commission. As part of this plan, Xcel Energy will reduce its payment to Xcel Solar Rewards customers from $3.50/watt to $3.00/watt. What this means for an average Grand Junction Homeowner who purchases a 5 kilowatt solar system is a loss of $2500.00 towards the purchase of the solar system, or a loss of $5000.00 to the average business owner who purchases a solar system. It is crucial that homeowners and businesses “lock-in” the larger rebate now, and then have 9 months to install the solar system. In addition to the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards rebate, there are federal tax credits, grants, and accelerated depreciation that further reduce out of pocket costs of solar for businesses. If you are not an Xcel Energy customer, the federal incentives still apply, and there will be rebates available from the state of Colorado in 2010. Since 2007, hundreds of Grand Junction homeowners and businesses have purchased solar systems that save them money by producing on-site, clean and independent power. How does it work?
For Businesses, the Xcel Energy Rebate will pay 40-60% of the cost of the solar system. The Federal Tax Credit or US Treasury Grant (Grant only available 2009-2010) will pay another 30% of the cost of the solar system. For businesses, there is accelerated cost recovery for the capital investment in the solar (bonus depreciation is only available for 2009-2010), which returns another 25-30% of the cost of the solar system to the business owner within a 5-6 year period. Yes, in other words, more than 100% of the cost of the solar system can be returned to the business owner within a 5-6 year period. And that does not even include the savings on the utility bill! Homeowners receive the Xcel Rebate and the 30% Federal Tax Credit, which combined can pay for 75% of the cost of the solar system before savings on the utility bills.
Atlasta Solar Center is the leading solar energy installation and distribution company on the Western Slope, and Atlasta Solar is one of the longest operating solar companies in Colorado. Since 1979, Atlasta Solar Center has installed over 1500 solar systems for businesses and homeowners. Atlasta Solar is proud to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in Grand Junction by offering special solar sale prices for 2009. Call now to get your rebate!