Colorado Springs has just received it’s first solar cooperative, the 10th in the entire state.
Solar United Neighbors created the co-op. These nonprofit advocates for energy rights and educates its residents about solar power. The co-op was developed after an increasing number of Colorado Springs residents chose to install panels. More than 1,000 solar installations are made in the city each year.
What does the COLORADO Springs SOLAR Co-op offer?
Solar United Neighbors aims to lower the cost of rooftop systems with solar panels. Co-op memberships can receive a 10% – 12% discount. This is all before local incentives and rebates are implemented, which will further lower up-front costs.
It is hoped that the cost of a solar array purchased through the co-op can replace the monthly costs for utility power. After the panels have been paid for, Colorado Springs Solar Cooperative members will only pay a fee to access the city grid. The co-op members know that they will save money in the long run.
SAVING ENERGY VS. SAVING MONEY VS.
Jim Riggins is an electrical engineer who serves on the steering committee. He says people are more interested in saving money than reducing carbon emissions. Riggins stated that saving money is both a conservative and progressive value.
Riggins owns a solar panel system that he paid off in just seven years. The system powers his home and two Electric Vehicles (EVs). This allows him to save on gas and electricity. Although Riggins likely sources electricity for his vehicle through an outlet in the garage, home-based Solar Carports, and public Solar-powered EV Charging Stations are increasingly popular.
Riggins explained that the city’s utility company would be able to access locally generated electricity from rooftop solar panels. Around 6% to 10% is lost during transmission via power lines. This is not sustainable.
The excess energy from the solar panels of the city will be fed into the grid. The entire community will gain from this, as they’ll have more reliable power access without losing any money or electricity.
PEAK VIEW SOLAR AND ELECTRICAL JOINS SOLAR UNITED NEIGHBORS
All Colorado Springs Solar Co-Op Members receive the same panels and equipment from the same vendors at the same discounted rate.
Nancy Brodhagen of Peak View Solar and Electrical estimated that homeowners could spend around $2.80 per Watt for a 5-kilowatt system (kW), which amounts to $14,000. This size system is enough to power a home of 2,000 square feet.
Residents with larger homes will need an 8 kW to meet their energy requirements. They’ll end up spending $22,000.
Brodhagen said that she has seen solar prices up to $4.50 per Watt, which means co-op members can save a lot. Peak View has a contract with each co-op.
Joining the co-op does not mean that members have to buy a system of solar panels. If they choose to do so, Peak View will create an independent contract with them. Peak View wants to ensure residents can produce as much solar power as possible.
DECLINE IN SOLAR PANEL PRICES STIRS CUSTOMER DEMAND
In Colorado Springs, the cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically in recent years.
Danielle Oller is a spokesperson from Colorado Springs Utilities. She explained that the company had approved 1,169 rooftop installations by mid-2021 and 1,345 in total for 2020. Solar demand is on the rise.
Gabe Caunt is a distributed energy strategy engineer at Colorado Springs Utilities. He stated that “any additional renewable generation installed by customers contributes to reduced emission and fuel purchase costs for Springs Utilities.”
The rapid growth in the use of solar panels benefits both homeowners and the city utility. The recent increase in the federal tax credit from 30% to 30 % through 2032 will ensure that the interest in solar panels remains strong.
The Clean Energy Movement in Colorado is Growing
Caunt noted that several Colorado Springs companies are installing Solar Panels in order to meet corporate sustainability goals. Solar United Neighbors does not allow corporations to join their co-ops, but the increase in solar energy usage is a positive step towards renewable energies.