2009 Glenwood Springs Solar Rebates program delivers 8 new PV systems

The 2009 Glenwood Springs Solar Rebates Program ended successfully in June, resulting in eight new solar photovoltaic systems installed within the Glenwood Springs Electric Department service area. It was the first clean energy project of the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative to be completed.

Although the program was announced as the financial recession hit hard, 21 customers of the Glenwood Springs Electric Department were still eager to invest in a clean energy installation on their home or business property.

Interest in the program was so intense that the first 20 applications came in on the first day of the application period, and a lottery had to be held to allocate the limited rebate funds. A lottery drawing was held on Feb. 25, with Glenwood Springs Mayor Bruce Christensen and Councilwoman Shelley Kaup drawing the names of the winners and placing all the other applicants on a prioritized waiting list.

The winners had 90 days to get their solar PV systems installed and inspected in order to meet the rebate payment deadlines at the end of the state fiscal year. By the first week of June, all eight systems were installed, inspected and paid for, and Garfield County has issued all the rebate checks as of June 5.

“This has been a very rewarding experience on many levels,” said rebate recipient Bob Sommerfeld. “It has caused us to evaluate every aspect of our energy consumption and consider how we can improve.”

The Governor’s Energy Office and the City of Glenwood Springs funded the rebates. Staff of the Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative coordinated the program, and Garfield County served as the program’s fiscal agent.

Facts about the program

• Total installed capacity: 32 kW
• Previous total installed capacity of Glenwood Springs Electric Dept: 21.5 kW
• Total financial investment for 8 installations: $242,132
• Total rebates issued through program: $90,000
• Rebate amount: $3/watt, $9,000 for residential and $15,000 for commercial installations
• Rebate funding sources: $45,000 from Governor’s Energy Office, $45,000 from Glenwood Springs Electric Department

Kerry & Alice Sundeen
547 Sunny Acres Rd.
Installer:
Colorado Solar
Photo by Shelley Kaup