Palisade Boasts First Solar-Powered Pharmacy
Source: marketwire.com
Syndicated Solar in collaboration with Palisade Pharmacy successfully installed Western Colorado's first and only solar powered stand-alone pharmacy. The new solar powered pharmacy is proud to tout their 13 kW solar array which is anticipated to offset nearly 50% of their total energy consumption equaling an estimated $2,400
savings per year. Palisade Pharmacy’s initial investment was recaptured within the first 90 days from install made possible by the Xcel Energy solar rebate with the complimented assistance from Federal Grant 1603. Walt Jorgenson, who owns the pharmacy, has lived on the Western Slope since 1978 where he has operated the business. For over 32 years he has played an intricate part in the health and well being of the community. Palisade Pharmacy employs approximately 15 full time employees. Walt is passionate about renewable energy and with the ever-rising energy costs, decided to install the state of the art Photovoltaic system.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Black Hills Freezes Its Solar Rebate in Colorado
In Unexpected Move, Black Hills Freezes Its Solar Rebate in Colorado
Posted by Adam Sewall at getsolar.com Wednesday, October 20th 2010
Black Hills Energy, a Colorado utility company, on Monday announced the suspension of it solar energy rebate program through the end of the year, issuing the following notice on its website:
Black Hills solar rebate suspension noticeThank you for your interest, indeed. Prior to the announcement, Black Hills’ solar rebate program offered homeowners who installed solar panels a rebate of $2.00 per watt — plus a one-time renewable energy credit (REC) payment of $0.50 per watt. The rebate, in other words, helped lower the cost of installing solar energy systems within Black Hills’ service territory.
Colorado solar installers were caught off guard by the news, according to The Chieftian. The timing, moreover, appears to be less than ideal. “It’s discouraging that Black Hills is doing this [suspending the solar rebate] just as the solar-power industry is taking off in the Pueblo area,” Scott Estep, owner of Casa Verde Energy, told the Chieftain.
All is not yet said and done, however. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission must review Black Hills’ decision, which was apparently made in part due to “financial losses” incurred by the utility. Another factor at play is that Black Hills has reached its obligations under state law to get a specified portion of its electricity from solar resources. If state regulators OK the suspension of the rebate program, it may well return in coming years. When it does, however, it will most certainly be reintroduced at a lower level than the $2.00 per watt homeowners (and businesses) enjoyed previously.
As for all you Coloradans who aren’t Black Hills customers are concerned, fear not: as far as we know, Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards rebate program is still kicking, as is the Governor’s Energy Office’s Recharge Colorado program. If you’re wondering which option is right for you, all you need to know is: if you’re a customer of Xcel Energy, you apply for that rebate when you install solar panels; if you’re NOT an Xcel customer, you’ll want to explore the Recharge Colorado option.
Finally, regardless of whether you live in Colorado — or beyond — the moral of the story is: don’t wait to install a solar home energy system because you don’t know when helpful solar rebate programs in your area might be paused, delayed or axed entirely.
Posted by Adam Sewall at getsolar.com Wednesday, October 20th 2010
Black Hills Energy, a Colorado utility company, on Monday announced the suspension of it solar energy rebate program through the end of the year, issuing the following notice on its website:
Black Hills solar rebate suspension noticeThank you for your interest, indeed. Prior to the announcement, Black Hills’ solar rebate program offered homeowners who installed solar panels a rebate of $2.00 per watt — plus a one-time renewable energy credit (REC) payment of $0.50 per watt. The rebate, in other words, helped lower the cost of installing solar energy systems within Black Hills’ service territory.
Colorado solar installers were caught off guard by the news, according to The Chieftian. The timing, moreover, appears to be less than ideal. “It’s discouraging that Black Hills is doing this [suspending the solar rebate] just as the solar-power industry is taking off in the Pueblo area,” Scott Estep, owner of Casa Verde Energy, told the Chieftain.
All is not yet said and done, however. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission must review Black Hills’ decision, which was apparently made in part due to “financial losses” incurred by the utility. Another factor at play is that Black Hills has reached its obligations under state law to get a specified portion of its electricity from solar resources. If state regulators OK the suspension of the rebate program, it may well return in coming years. When it does, however, it will most certainly be reintroduced at a lower level than the $2.00 per watt homeowners (and businesses) enjoyed previously.
As for all you Coloradans who aren’t Black Hills customers are concerned, fear not: as far as we know, Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards rebate program is still kicking, as is the Governor’s Energy Office’s Recharge Colorado program. If you’re wondering which option is right for you, all you need to know is: if you’re a customer of Xcel Energy, you apply for that rebate when you install solar panels; if you’re NOT an Xcel customer, you’ll want to explore the Recharge Colorado option.
Finally, regardless of whether you live in Colorado — or beyond — the moral of the story is: don’t wait to install a solar home energy system because you don’t know when helpful solar rebate programs in your area might be paused, delayed or axed entirely.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Iberdrola Renewables Announces Solar Power Sale in Colorado
Iberdrola Renewables Announces Solar Power Sale in Colorado
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Iberdrola Renewables today announced a power purchase agreement for a solar power facility to be located near Alamosa in southern Colorado. Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), an Xcel Energy company, has agreed to purchase the entire output of a 30 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project under development in the north end of Alamosa County, Colorado.
Iberdrola Renewables' expertise as one of the nation's leading wind power project developers and operators has prepared the company to develop and deliver a variety of solar technology solutions. The sale, from what is expected to be one of Iberdrola Renewables' first solar projects in the U.S., signals the company's expansion into the solar power business for its utility customers. After being selected in a competitive bid process, the agreement with PSCo marks Iberdrola Renewables' sixth transaction with Xcel Energy companies, representing over 400 MW of clean power.
"We look forward to our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables and to the continued development of solar resources in the San Luis Valley," said Tom Imbler, vice president for Commercial Operations at Xcel Energy. "This part of Colorado has been identified as one of the best locations in all of the U.S. for the securing energy from the sun, and Iberdrola Renewables' investment shows the potential of this region of our state, now and well into the future."
Iberdrola Renewables is developing the San Luis Valley Solar Ranch, and will own and operate the project. It is expected to begin construction later this year, with operation scheduled for the end of 2011. The solar facility is located on 320 acres of former agricultural land near the town of Mosca, which is considered to have one of the best resources in the country for solar power. The project will create employment opportunities and provide revenue for schools, health, fire, and other critical services in Alamosa County.
"It is a unique pleasure to enter into the solar power business, and once again partner with the Xcel Energy family of companies, whose vision for clean energy is helping drive new renewable technologies in many parts of the country," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president for Iberdrola Renewables. "Tapping into limitless, homegrown sources of power is how Iberdrola Renewables will continue to grow, and meet the needs of its customers."
Xcel Energy (XEL 23.70, -0.06, -0.25%) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.
Iberdrola Renewables Inc. is an American company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., with over 850 employees. It is part of the Iberdrola Renovables global group, the world's leading provider of wind power with more than 11,000 MW of renewable energy in operation around the world, and more than 3,800 MW of that wind power located in the U.S., now bringing its expertise into the solar industry. www.iberdrolarenewables.us.
SOURCE: Iberdrola Renewables
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Iberdrola Renewables today announced a power purchase agreement for a solar power facility to be located near Alamosa in southern Colorado. Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), an Xcel Energy company, has agreed to purchase the entire output of a 30 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project under development in the north end of Alamosa County, Colorado.
Iberdrola Renewables' expertise as one of the nation's leading wind power project developers and operators has prepared the company to develop and deliver a variety of solar technology solutions. The sale, from what is expected to be one of Iberdrola Renewables' first solar projects in the U.S., signals the company's expansion into the solar power business for its utility customers. After being selected in a competitive bid process, the agreement with PSCo marks Iberdrola Renewables' sixth transaction with Xcel Energy companies, representing over 400 MW of clean power.
"We look forward to our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables and to the continued development of solar resources in the San Luis Valley," said Tom Imbler, vice president for Commercial Operations at Xcel Energy. "This part of Colorado has been identified as one of the best locations in all of the U.S. for the securing energy from the sun, and Iberdrola Renewables' investment shows the potential of this region of our state, now and well into the future."
Iberdrola Renewables is developing the San Luis Valley Solar Ranch, and will own and operate the project. It is expected to begin construction later this year, with operation scheduled for the end of 2011. The solar facility is located on 320 acres of former agricultural land near the town of Mosca, which is considered to have one of the best resources in the country for solar power. The project will create employment opportunities and provide revenue for schools, health, fire, and other critical services in Alamosa County.
"It is a unique pleasure to enter into the solar power business, and once again partner with the Xcel Energy family of companies, whose vision for clean energy is helping drive new renewable technologies in many parts of the country," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president for Iberdrola Renewables. "Tapping into limitless, homegrown sources of power is how Iberdrola Renewables will continue to grow, and meet the needs of its customers."
Xcel Energy (XEL 23.70, -0.06, -0.25%) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.
Iberdrola Renewables Inc. is an American company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., with over 850 employees. It is part of the Iberdrola Renovables global group, the world's leading provider of wind power with more than 11,000 MW of renewable energy in operation around the world, and more than 3,800 MW of that wind power located in the U.S., now bringing its expertise into the solar industry. www.iberdrolarenewables.us.
SOURCE: Iberdrola Renewables
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tessera Submits Second Proposal for Colorado Solar Plant
Tessera Submits Second Proposal for Colorado Solar Plant
Posted by GetSolar Staff in Sunday, October 10th 2010
After having its initial proposal for a 200-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Colorado’s San Luis Valley rebuffed on account of noise concerns from neighbors, Houston-based Tessera Solar is trying again. This time, the utility scale solar developer is proposing a 145-MW plant in the same Saguache County region.
The plant would take up over 1,500 acres in the San Luis Valley and use 5,800 sun-capturing dishes to generate power. Power from the plant would likely be sold to one or more local utility companies through long-term power purchasing agreements (PPA’s), but Tessera is far from that step. Saguache County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to debate Tessera’s newest application before voting on whether or not to approve it later this year.
There are several factors working in Tessera’s favor. The new plant would create approximately 40 new clean energy jobs and bring in an additional $1.5 million in tax revenue each year.
Tessera made headlines earlier this week when the U.S. Department of Interior announced the approval of the company’s new solar energy plant in California’s Imperial Valley – one of the first two solar plants in the nation to be built on public land.
Posted by GetSolar Staff in Sunday, October 10th 2010
After having its initial proposal for a 200-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Colorado’s San Luis Valley rebuffed on account of noise concerns from neighbors, Houston-based Tessera Solar is trying again. This time, the utility scale solar developer is proposing a 145-MW plant in the same Saguache County region.
The plant would take up over 1,500 acres in the San Luis Valley and use 5,800 sun-capturing dishes to generate power. Power from the plant would likely be sold to one or more local utility companies through long-term power purchasing agreements (PPA’s), but Tessera is far from that step. Saguache County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to debate Tessera’s newest application before voting on whether or not to approve it later this year.
There are several factors working in Tessera’s favor. The new plant would create approximately 40 new clean energy jobs and bring in an additional $1.5 million in tax revenue each year.
Tessera made headlines earlier this week when the U.S. Department of Interior announced the approval of the company’s new solar energy plant in California’s Imperial Valley – one of the first two solar plants in the nation to be built on public land.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wells Fargo Expands Popular Solar Home Equity Credit Program
Wells Fargo Expands Popular Solar Home Equity Credit Program
GetSolar Staff. Wednesday, October 6th 2010 09:00
Wells Fargo & Company is expanding a promotion which works with California and Colorado solar installers to help give consumers financial incentives to put solar arrays on their homes.
The program is simple - when qualified customers use a home equity loan or a line of credit worth more than $15,000 to finance the installation of a solar energy system, they get up to $1,000 in cash incentives back.
Wells Fargo is working with three Southern California solar installers: Acro Energy, REC Solar and Verengo Solar - as well as a few Colorado solar installers.
"Through everyday actions and being aware of the ways our decisions affect the environment, we can all contribute to environmental protection and regeneration," said Mary Wenzel, director of Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs. "As a community-based financial institution, one of the ways we can help is by offering financial solutions that help our customers save not only time and money, but also protect our environment."
Improving solar financing in order to help consumers afford the up-front, fixed costs of a solar installation is one of the most important ways financial companies can help promote renewable energy.
In the end, such initiatives will go much farther than higher-profile solar installations at corporate headquarters - although those help as well!
GetSolar Staff. Wednesday, October 6th 2010 09:00
Wells Fargo & Company is expanding a promotion which works with California and Colorado solar installers to help give consumers financial incentives to put solar arrays on their homes.
The program is simple - when qualified customers use a home equity loan or a line of credit worth more than $15,000 to finance the installation of a solar energy system, they get up to $1,000 in cash incentives back.
Wells Fargo is working with three Southern California solar installers: Acro Energy, REC Solar and Verengo Solar - as well as a few Colorado solar installers.
"Through everyday actions and being aware of the ways our decisions affect the environment, we can all contribute to environmental protection and regeneration," said Mary Wenzel, director of Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs. "As a community-based financial institution, one of the ways we can help is by offering financial solutions that help our customers save not only time and money, but also protect our environment."
Improving solar financing in order to help consumers afford the up-front, fixed costs of a solar installation is one of the most important ways financial companies can help promote renewable energy.
In the end, such initiatives will go much farther than higher-profile solar installations at corporate headquarters - although those help as well!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
SunPower, Financing Firm to Team Up On Colorado’s Largest Solar PV Plant
SunPower, Financing Firm to Team Up On Colorado’s Largest Solar PV Plant
Posted by GetSolar Staff in Thursday, September 30th 2010
Colorado’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to date is slated for construction in Alamosa County and begin, if all goes according to plan, will be producing power by the beginning of 2011.
The Greater Sandhill Solar Project, as it is called, will be built by SunPower Corporation and have a generating capacity of 17 megawatts (MW) — enough to power roughly the equivalent of 6,700 average American homes for a full year. When completed, it could be the second largest solar PV plant in the United States, according to the Valley Courier, local newspaper in Alamosa County. That’s a title the project won’t enjoy for too long, however, as many larger projects are in the works in other states, like California.
The project’s origins go back to 2008, when Xcel Energy requested proposals for a PV plant in Colorado. SunPower’s proposal, apparently, was the most enticing. Then roughly two weeks ago the wheels really started turning. That’s when SunPower representatives held an open informational session with residents of the san Luis Valley to review the details of the plan. A public hearing between SunPower and Alamosa County commissioners is scheduled for mid-November, and construction should begin shortly after that. The plant is predicted to create roughly 50 new clean energy jobs in Colorado.
Another sign of progress came today, when Wilmington Trust announced it will serve as collateral agent for the Greater Sandhill Solar Project, meaning it will be responsible before the receipt, transfer, distribution and investment of funds pertaining to the project.
As noted above, Greater Sandhill may not hold claim to being Colorado’s largest farm for long. Iberdrola Renewables is already planning a PV project within the state that expected to have a 30-MW generating capacity. It will be built in two phases, and though Iberdrola is still seeking permits to build on public lands, it plans to begin construction next summer.
Posted by GetSolar Staff in Thursday, September 30th 2010
Colorado’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to date is slated for construction in Alamosa County and begin, if all goes according to plan, will be producing power by the beginning of 2011.
The Greater Sandhill Solar Project, as it is called, will be built by SunPower Corporation and have a generating capacity of 17 megawatts (MW) — enough to power roughly the equivalent of 6,700 average American homes for a full year. When completed, it could be the second largest solar PV plant in the United States, according to the Valley Courier, local newspaper in Alamosa County. That’s a title the project won’t enjoy for too long, however, as many larger projects are in the works in other states, like California.
The project’s origins go back to 2008, when Xcel Energy requested proposals for a PV plant in Colorado. SunPower’s proposal, apparently, was the most enticing. Then roughly two weeks ago the wheels really started turning. That’s when SunPower representatives held an open informational session with residents of the san Luis Valley to review the details of the plan. A public hearing between SunPower and Alamosa County commissioners is scheduled for mid-November, and construction should begin shortly after that. The plant is predicted to create roughly 50 new clean energy jobs in Colorado.
Another sign of progress came today, when Wilmington Trust announced it will serve as collateral agent for the Greater Sandhill Solar Project, meaning it will be responsible before the receipt, transfer, distribution and investment of funds pertaining to the project.
As noted above, Greater Sandhill may not hold claim to being Colorado’s largest farm for long. Iberdrola Renewables is already planning a PV project within the state that expected to have a 30-MW generating capacity. It will be built in two phases, and though Iberdrola is still seeking permits to build on public lands, it plans to begin construction next summer.
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