New study anticipates rapid solar energy growth in Colorado

According to a new report just released by The Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center, Colorado should build on the recent growth in solar energy by setting a goal of obtaining at least 20 percent of its electricity from solar power by 2025. Colorado currently sits seventh in the nation in solar power generation. The report states that the United States now has enough solar electric capacity installed to power more than 3.2 million homes, and that the amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the U.S. has tripled in the past two years. To reach the goal of Colorado generating 20 percent of its electricity via solar by 2025, solar PV installations would have to continue to increase at least 30 percent annually between now and 2025. If the past is any sign, Colorado should have no problem reaching its goal. Between 2010 and 2013, solar capacity in Colorado increased at an annual rate of 44 percent. The report also urges the federal government to commit to a baseline goal of obtaining at least 10 percent of the nation’s electricity via solar by 2030. Here are the top reasons why Colorado must increase its solar energy use, according to the report: Producing 20 percent of its electricity from clean, solar power would reduce Colorado’s global warming pollution by more than 7 million metric tons in 2025—the equivalent of taking 1.6 million cars off the road. Expanding solar energy will also reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to the formation of smog and soot and threaten public health, especially children. Obtaining 20 percent of Colorado’s electricity from solar energy would reduce water consumption from power plants dramatically by using a life-cycle assessment. Solar energy creates local, clean energy jobs that can’t be outsourced. 3,600 Coloradoans worked in the solar industry in 2013.