Xcel Energy's solar programs too popular
April 11, 2013 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The Colorado Solar Jobs Act, introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives late last week, is receiving strong support from some in the state. Businesses and environmental organizations have thrown their hats into the ring to support the legislation, which is designed to make improvements to Xcel Energy's popular rooftop solar rebate program, giving consumers more access to solar energy while protecting Colorado jobs. Customer demand for the Xcel solar program in Colorado is currently on track to outweigh its annual funding levels in 2013 and beyond. As a result, new solar installations will flourish at the beginning of the year, but after that installation could come to a halt as funding stalls -- an annual "solar cliff." The Colorado Solar Jobs Act will prevent a boom-bust cycle in Colorado's solar energy industry by redesigning the Xcel rebate program to predictably step down over time as megawatt milestones are reached, rather than having an annual megawatt limit. "While it's proven hugely popular, our current solar program creates far too much uncertainty for Coloradoans who want to go solar and for solar companies that want to expand their businesses," said Edward Stern, executive director, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA). "That's no way to build a stable solar economy. The Colorado Solar Jobs Act will provide a steady path to growth that we can all count on." For more: Related Article: © 2013 FierceMarkets. All rights reserved. http://www.fierceenergy.com http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/coseia-xcel-energys-solar-programs-too-popular/2013-04-11 |