Energy Access Innovation Out of Grand Junction, Colorado

Over the next two days, Grand Valley Power (GVP), an electric cooperative utility, and GRID Alternatives, the nation’s largest non-profit solar installer, will complete installation of the country’s first utility-sponsored community solar array serving low-income households. The 29-kilowatt array will provide low-cost solar power to eight hardworking families in GVP’s service area and serve as a national model for clean energy access. The installation, which broke ground in March, is being completed during GRID Alternatives Colorado’s Community Solarthon event with help from over 100 community volunteers and job trainees. “GRID is also able to deliver community solar projects with a substantial return on investment. There is a 4-6 year payback in energy savings for the families participating in this program for every dollar invested by Grand Valley Power and our community partners.” “Why are we doing this?” says Tom Walch, GVP’s General Manager. “We believe that solar powered generation is an idea whose time has come. Community solar is the best way to harness this developing technology. Unfortunately, many consumers don’t have access to this kind of clean renewable energy resource, even though they help fund its development for others. Our partnership with GRID reverses the flow of subsidies and incentives. With this project, assistance will flow to folks who need it most.” Each of the eight participating families will see a utility bill reduction of around 50 percent. They will contribute 16 hours of sweat equity to support the project’s development, and pay a small per kilowatt hour fee to help support future projects. With this unique model, subscribers will be able to experience the on-bill savings whether they own their home or rent – no roof space is required. The array is expected to generate over $100,000 in electricity bill savings for participants over the next 20 years, helping families in need while helping the utility meet its renewable energy goals. “When planning to meet Colorado’s renewable energy goals, it is important to keep underserved communities a main part of the conversation,” shares Chuck Watkins, GRID Alternatives Colorado Executive Director. “GRID is also able to deliver community solar projects with a substantial return on investment. There is a 4-6 year payback in energy savings for the families participating in this program for every dollar invested by Grand Valley Power and our community partners.” The model has generated interest from utilities and policy-makers across the country, and Grand Valley Power and GRID Alternatives were invited by United States Congressman Jared Polis to brief a congressional working group on Innovation in Alternative Energies on May 6. GRID Alternatives Colorado is providing the materials, design and program development expertise to build the solar array, with equipment donations from SunEdison, Enphase and IronRidge. Grand Valley Power is providing the site, interconnection facilities and administrative support for the project. Other partners and sponsors include Housing Resources of Western Colorado, which helped identify consumers most in need of assistance, Alpine Bank, NREL, Atlasta Solar, Whitewater Building Materials, and SunPower Corp.