SEIA and COSEIA Applaud Colorado Public Utilities Commission Decision Expanding Solar*Rewards Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) today applauded a decision by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to increase the 2013 capacity of Xcel Energy’s popular Solar*Rewards program for small-sized solar installations throughout the state. In April, SEIA, the COSEIA, and Xcel Energy jointly proposed this capacity increase in order to avoid possible disruption to the successful program.

Solar*Rewards encourages the growth of solar energy and offers customers incentives to install solar panels electric systems on their homes and businesses. As part of a compliance plan approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2012, 9.6 megawatts of generating capacity were available to Xcel Energy residential customers in Colorado in each of the two years, for systems of up to 10.0 kilowatts each, allowing for solar installations on approximately 2,000 homes.

Prior to the CPUC’s decision, capacity in the small-sized solar installation program had been fully subscribed. Without commission approval to expand the capacity of this program, incentives for installation of systems of 10.0 kilowatts or less electric would have been suspended statewide until at least 2014. This decision approved making 33.6 MW available to the Colorado solar market.

“We thank the CPUC for making an expedient decision in support of Colorado’s rapidly-growing solar energy industry, which is now ranked fifth in the nation based on total installed capacity,” said Sara Birmingham, director of western states at SEIA. “Expanding Solar*Rewards will allow Colorado to maintain this leadership position by supporting small businesses and their growing workforce, and promoting the deployment of even more clean, abundant solar energy throughout the state.”

“This decision by the CPUC will help Coloradans who want to go solar, and it will help solar companies to expand their businesses. This will sustain Colorado jobs and continue the growth of a secure and sustainable source of domestic energy. I appreciate the collaboration between COSEIA, SEIA and Xcel Energy to get this done,” said Edward Stern, executive director, COSEIA.

More Resources:
– Decision Details from Colorado Public Utilities Commission
– “Xcel Energy, SEIA, COSEIA Agreement Seeks to Expand Residential Customer Solar Opportunities,” April 30, 2013

About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org

About COSEIA:
Established in 1989, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) is the award-winning nonprofit association leading Colorado’s solar industry. Its mission is to expand solar markets and to generate jobs and prosperity for the people of Colorado. www.coseia.org

Media Contacts:            
Jamie Nolan, 202-556-2886, jnolan@seia.org
Ken Johnson, 202-556-2885, kjohnson@seia.org
Edward Stern, 970-209-9259, estern@coseia.org (COSEIA)

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