There has been tons of buzz lately about the future of Colorado solar energy, and it looks like Xcel Energy has a plan to bring even more solar energy resources to the area’s residents. Earlier this month,  the utility company applied to the Public Utilities Commission for approval of its new voluntary program called “Solar Connect.” The initiative, which adopts the same idea as Xcel’s Windsource program, would allow consumers to buy short-term subscriptions to solar energy without purchasing their own panels for installation. The remotely located panels would then power subscriber’s homes, reducing energy costs across the board. This form of remote solar energy is intriguing to many Colorado residents, and will certainly cause a boom in the solar industry.”Solar Connect” is an idea in solar power that is separate from solar arrays installed on individual homes. The program will be a localized step towards expansion of the industry as a whole and the accessibility of solar electric panels to the public. According to figureheads within the industry, this program is a positive step towards a green future, but it just scratches the surface of what solar energy is capable of doing for the nation. Many industry leaders are hopeful that the development of solar energy will cause a growth of the job market for workers across the country. To become involved in the growth of solar energy yourself, call Golden Solar. With our solar electric panels, customers will be able to reduce their electric bill and save energy. Our staff of professionals are available for free on-site consults, as well to give advice on the placement and design of your panels. Give us a call to learn more!

Big ideas are always quick to get critics. NASA surely had their fair share when they proposed putting a man on the moon. The idea of the internet was laughed at when it was first presented as a concept. Steve Jobs had a following of non-believers when he suggested a personal computer that would change the way we view information and technology. So it’s really not surprising that the solar roads pitch is getting its cut of the criticism too. Born from the brain of Scott Brusaw, the idea of solar roads would essentially convert the nation’s highway system into America’s greatest source of renewable energy. Brusaw, along with his company Solar Roadways, is suggesting to lay solar panels below a thick, yet translucent sheet of glass as a substitute for pavement. This system, Brusaw says, could create three times as much energy as the United States uses in one year. In addition to the energy generating aspects that solar roadways would allow, replacing all existing roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. with this technology could also decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent. Critics suggest that solar panels under roadways would be hard to maintain and not supportive of the weight of a vehicle. But Brusaw points out that many companies are already developing glass that is stronger and more efficient than ever before. He suggests that the combination of a number of new technologies makes solar roadways more than possible. Before long, the nation will be looking for even more ways of incorporating solar technology into our energy system. So why not get ahead of the curve? If you are interested in pursuing solar energy in Colorado, contact Golden Solar. Our trained staff of professionals will help you to power your home with your own solar electric panels!

On Monday, June 2nd, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their proposed new initiative to expand clean energy. The Clean Power Plan is an effort put forth by the EPA at the request of President Obama as part of the administration’s Climate Action Plan. It aims to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants, which are reportedly the biggest contributors to carbon pollution in the United States. According to the official press release from the EPA, there are currently no regulations on the emissions of mercury, arsenic, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and other particle pollutants from power plants, but this plan would set the first limit ever on carbon emission output. “Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to our health, our economy, and our way of life. EPA is delivering on a vital piece of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source–power plants,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, in an official statement. “By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids. We don’t have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment–our action will sharpen America’s competitive edge, spur innovation, and create jobs.” The ultimate goal of the plan is to decrease carbon emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Be a part of the change to clean energy by powering your home or business with solar energy. At Golden Solar, our solar electric panels will help you to become eco-friendly and economical!

With pressure from government entities, many companies are searching for ways to become leaders on the frontier of sustainability. From technology to home furnishing companies, many industry leaders have announced plans to include solar power in the near future. In late April of this year, Google announced via press release that it was partnering with SunPower Corporation to help eco-conscious homeowners finance the lease of solar panels for use on their own homes. This partnership would be the 16th renewable energy investment, according to the release. But Google is not alone. On Friday, May 30th, Ikea announced its plan to install a solar array on their Kansas City-area store that will open this fall. According to the press release from Ikea this build will be the largest solar installment in Kansas. “The 92,000-square-foot solar array will consist of a 869.25-kW system, built with 2,850 panels, and will produce approximately 1,348,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent to reducing 930 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2),” the statement said. This, according to Ikea’s website, is all part of a plan to produce as much renewable energy as the company consumes by 2020. The involvement of big businesses like Ikea and Google show just how powerful solar energy is going to be in years to come. Be a part of the movement by making your home sustainable through the use of Colorado solar energy. Contact Golden Solar today! We will do a free on-site consult, and help you plan, design and install your solar paneling.

On Tuesday, May 27th, the Solar Energies Industries Association (SEIA) released a report outlining its reasons for states and municipalities to consider shifting their energy resources from coal or gas to solar. The report from the SEIA was released in anticipation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated air quality standards for gas and coal-fired power plants, an announcement that the organization will make on June 2 as part of the Clean Air Act. The SEIA argues that the change to solar is a logical step for most states because, “Solar energy emits zero carbon emissions while generating reliable energy, [and] increasing solar energy deployment will help states meet the carbon standards.” The U.S. government would like to see this shift as well as the Department of Energy wants solar power to provide 27 percent of American energy, according to The Economist. Additionally, the report argues that the move to solar will help these states to meet a host of other regulations and save money. The decline in the cost for solar energy, combined with the dependability of the product, makes the shift to solar attainable for most states. A press release from the SEIA states, “This year alone, solar is expected to generate enough electricity to effectively offset 13.8 metric tons of CO2 emissions.” With all of these perks of solar energy laid out, its hard to not want to be a part of the revolution of solar power. If you are interested in sustaining your home with Colorado solar energy, contact Golden Solar today. Our staff of experts can help you learn about the growing industry, and plan, design and install your own solar panels in Colorado!