Economics

There are many types of rebates, tax credits, and lines of credit available making alternative energy increasingly affordable for homeowners. Incentives are provided by federal, state, local governments, and utility companies.

• State Incentives:  www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm

• Federal Incentives:  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

• Special Offers and Rebates from ENERGY STAR Partners:
  www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator

Solar Panels that Work in the Dark?

The biggest problem with solar power is you can only use it half of the day--even less than half during winter months. Thanks to the wonders of nanotechnology, though, there are now foldable panels that operate at 80 percent efficiency and capture infra-red radiation that the sun puts out in abundance both day and night. Get the full scoop at GoodCleanTech.com.

www.goodcleantech.com/2008/02/solar_panels_that_work_in_the.php

Solar Electric Shingles

Each shingle, made from amorphous silicon, produces 17 watts of power under full sun.

How Solar Works

Solar Panels
 

Solar panels mounted on the roof or ground of your property convert sunlight into DC power.

Inverter
 

The power from the solar panels is sent to a device called an inverter (power converter), which converts the DC power to AC power.  Your household electrical devices operates on AC power.

Electrical Panel
 

Power travels from the inverter to your electrical service panel (breaker box). As in every home whether using power from the electric company or from solar, the power from the electrical panel will be distributed throughout your home through normal electrical wiring to all the electrical outlets.

Utility Meter
 

When excess power is produced by the solar system, the power will flow into the electric grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backwards gaining you a credit with the utility company.

Utility Grid
 

The utility grid refers to the common method of receiving electricity from the electric utility company for your area.  The utility grid will automatically provide your home with electrical power when your demand exceeds your solar production.

Net Metering
 

When your solar system is feeding power to the utility grid, net metering refers to the laws requiring the electric utility company to credit you at retail rates (the same rate they would have charged you).

The Following Are Examples

Of Smaller Solar Power Products

This digital solar charger boasts numerous functionalities in a single device.  It has a solar panel for energy collection, which is converted to power meant to charge electronic gadgets such as cell phones, PDAs, PMPs, digital cameras, and the like. Aside from its main purpose, it's also equipped with a couple of LED flashlights, a basic FM player, and for some reason, a UV money checker.

This is a starter kit that consists of roll-out solar panels, a large battery (similar to a car battery), and a power inverter. This is an off-the-grid solution to provide back-up power if the lights go out or if you're in a location where electricity is not available. These kits are primarily designed for a small vacation cabin, travel trailer, or if you're car camping. It can also be a good go-to if you live in the Southeast's Hurricane Lane or the South/Midwest's Tornado Alley. If you lose power, you could still keep a few devices running (such as some lights, a TV or stereo, or even a mini-fridge to keep food from spoiling). Sam's Club, Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sundance Solar, Solar Home and numerous other stores sell all types of solar power devices.

http://store.sundancesolar.com/20wadosoenst.html

• Solar Energy System Parts

• Benefits of Solar

• Solar Lighting

• Fans and Heaters

• Water and Pool Supplies

• Outdoor Solar Products

• Home Accessories

Basic Facts About Solar Power

• Colorado’s potential for electricity production from solar power plants is roughly 270 GW.
   

• Using only 2 percent of the best resources in the San Luis Valley would provide 5.5 GW, or about half the state’s electricity needs.
   

• Producing 5.5 GW of energy from central solar power plants would cut global warming pollution by an amount equal to taking 1.9 million cars off the road.
   

• Generating potential in the Southwestern U.S. is 7000 GW.
   

• Building 80 gigawatts (GW) of concentrating solar power plants in the Southwest, which is possible with the right policy support, would cut carbon dioxide pollution by 152 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 28 million cars from the road.
   

• A single 200 megawatt (MW) solar power plant supplies enough energy for roughly 62,000 homes.

Solar News in the San Luis Valley

San Luis Valley Farmers Harvest Sun Power

Mosca -- A group of farmers near the farming town of Mosca, 17 miles north of Alamosa, in the San Luis Valley are hoping the vacant field corners that surround their irrigation circles will provide good homes for solar panels. They are harvesting more than crops from the San Luis Valley’s 360 days of sun. As of Friday, the six are part of a pilot project that uses solar power to partially power their irrigation systems.

For their efforts, they will receive federal tax credits, a $75,000 grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and a $45,000 rebate per farmer from Xcel Energy.

Green Treatment Plant Alamosa’s wastewater treatment plant is going green by adopting an agreement with SunEdison to provide solar-powered energy to the city wastewater treatment plant.

Possibly Another Solar Plant for the San Luis Valley

Xcel Energy is proposing to develop a utility-scale concentrated solar-power plant that would be among the first of its kind in the nation. Unlike conventional solar photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity, concentrating solar power uses large mirrors to focus sunlight on vessels containing water or other fluids. The heated fluids produce steam to spin turbine generators, similar to the way coal- fired power plants use steam to make electricity. A possible location could be the San Luis Valley near Alamosa, rated as having Colorado's best solar exposure.

Colorado Offers Residential Solar Program

ALAMOSA — Giants of the energy industry aren’t the only ones harnessing the power of the sun. There’s plenty of light to go around in the San Luis Valley and a Governor’s Energy Office program encourages Valley residents to take advantage it. In partnership with the Governor’s Energy Office, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative offers rebates for individuals installing solar hot water heaters and photovoltaics to produce solar energy for their home. “The Southwest is prime for solar,” said Heather Sanchez of San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.

Regional representative of the Governor’s Energy Office Bob Mailander stopped by the Alamosa Board of County Commissioners meeting Wednesday to spread awareness of the program. “Energy is on everybody’s mind,” said Mailander. He said the Governor’s Energy Office has the goal of localizing alternative energy production and helping community leaders focus on long-term strategy to deal with energy for transportation, agriculture, home and business. “Our charge is to be involved in energy efficiency and conservation and renewable energy,” he said.

The Residential Solar Program is one way the Governor’s Energy Office promotes these goals. The program offers matching grants to program partners who then offer rebate programs to people installing local solar electric and solar domestic hot water systems. The Governor’s Energy Office has about $3 million spread through the programs.

They currently have one partner in the Valley, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. Rural Electric was approved in May and began offering the program this month. Sanchez said no one has taken advantage of the program yet but people have expressed interest.

Mailander said they have infused $100,000 into the community for small solar panels on residential units and solar hot water heating. “We’re very hopeful that the money will create leverage for people [to use alternative energy],” he said. The Solar Electric Program rebates can be as much as $6,000 for homeowners.

The Solar Domestic Hot Water Program offers up to a $3,000 rebate for one system. According the Governor’s Energy Office website, up to 15 percent of annual energy consumed is used for domestic water heating. Sanchez said the Solar Domestic Hot Water Program is a great way for people with lower incomes to conserve energy and save money. Part of Rural Electric’s goal includes replacing old, inefficient water heaters.

Program participants must purchase a solar hot water heater from Rural Electric and pass an inspection before receiving the rebate. Dave Mixa of Rural Electric is in charge of approving the solar hot water heaters.

The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association is another partner in the program. Homeowners can visit CoSEIA’s website for program guidelines, www.coseia.org/geosolargrants.htm. Eligibility for the program must be confirmed by the local program partner, San Luis Valley Rural Electric.

Wolf Creek Ski Area Continues To Be An Energy Saving Leader

WOLF CREEK, Colorado — Wolf Creek Ski Area continues to purchase 100 percent of its power usage from a green wind power supplier for both winter and summer operations. Wolf Creek has protected its United States Forest Service special use permit by providing the public with an environmentally friendly and well-maintained mountain offering quality services at affordable prices.

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