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SOLAR INCENTIVES IN COLORADO
Solar incentives for photovoltaic systems in Colorado come from two sources: Federal government tax credits, and electric utilities. Some states have state income tax credits too but Colorado does not. Federal Tax Credits for Solar The most important benefit for people and businesses installing solar is a tax credit for 30% of the cost of…
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5 indicators of a faulty solar installation
Solar arrays are a popular way to improve energy efficiency that can be added on simply to an existing home. Through either rooftop or sidelong installation, solar electric panels can help you cut down significantly on electricity and utility costs. But with the rise in popularity of these installations – a growth rate of approximately 400 percent…
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Home builders aim to incorporate energy-efficiency across the nation
All over the country, cities and towns are looking for ways to increase their overall energy efficiency. One major way that many municipalities have found is to update their building codes to increase the standards for new constructs and renovations. In Vancouver, BC, some of these codes made it so difficult to renovate existing homes…
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New solar technology makes panels even more efficient
Solar electric panels have been built using a number of materials, but with recent technological developments, solar arrays could be made to become even more efficient. Researchers at MIT have found that new solar panels can be made from lead-acid car batteries. These types of batteries are often retired and replaced with more efficient lithium-ion batteries. According to…
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Solar carports market on the rise
With the widespread growth of the solar industry, many smaller niche markets have sprung up as major players within the renewable energy field. One such area is the expansion of solar carports, which has grown substantially over the past few years. According to GreenTech Media, the generating capacity of solar electric panels installed into these structures will exceed…
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More of Colorado adapts to solar environment
Colorado has long been a leader in the solar power industry, pioneering endeavors like rooftop and community solar programs. In recent news from the area, Adams County in Colorado announced this week that they have signed a deal that will create a governmental reliance on community-generated solar power. The deal allows all of the government buildings…
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Advent of new solar technology helps Colorado remain industry leader
With the growth and development in the popularity of alternative power sources like wind and solar energy, many utilities have been looking for ways to expand their offerings to more of the consumer market. Colorado, which has long been an innovative state for the creation, implementation and use of solar energy, is also leading the…
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Despite energy efficiency ups-and-downs, solar remains consistent leader in value
With the recent surge in solar and wind energy usage across the nation, we often forget to highlight the importance of everyday, small upgrades that anyone can make that will help make your property more energy-efficient and decrease your utility costs. According to Triple Pundit, the nationwide investment into energy efficiency projects peaked at approximately $2…
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Colorado leading in solar industry’s growth
New data from the Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center (ECRPC) shows that Colorado played an important role in the development and growth of the solar industry over the past few years. The report, entitled “Lighting the Way: The Top Ten States that Helped Drive America’s Solar Energy Boom in 2013,” reveals that Colorado experienced an…
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Xcel Energy challenges net metering with rooftop solar
The end of July in Colorado was rife with news and meetings regarding the future of the state’s rooftop solar industry. Utility company Xcel Energy has issued a challenge to the state’s key financial incentive when it comes to rooftop solar installations. The idea of net metering on homes that install solar paneling is an important part…
