Solar Energy Information

Colorado is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year and the fifth best solar potential in the nation.  What better way to harness a natural resource than with photovoltaics?  Earlier this year, Gov. Bill Ritter signed legislation touted to make Colorado a national leader in renewable energy production.  You can help make a difference!

In addition, it makes economic sense.  At this time, rebates and tax credits provide economic incentives to go solar.  The homeowner will enjoy ongoing savings benefit over the lifetime of the solar energy system. 

An average home of two people generates more than 16,000 pounds of carbon pollution in a year from conventional electric use (12,100 pounds is about average per vehicle over a year) US Environmental Protection Agency. This carbon dioxide emission can be offset by using the power of the sun to generate
clean electricity while reducing energy costs.  

Solar electric panels are much smaller than the outdated billboard-sized; stand-up thermal panels.  The modern solar panels are mounted flush to the roof, giving a clean, neat, aesthetically pleasing look. Panels can also be mounted on poles or on the ground for remote home applications.

How Does It Work?

The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Wire conducts the electricity to an inverter that converts the DC power coming in from the panels to AC power that can be used by household appliances. A grid tie system that does not have batteries does not have electric power storage capacity.  The sunlight provides electricity during the day, slowing down or causing the utility meter to run backwards.  At night, the power comes from the grid.  The net amount on the meter is what the power company will bill.  Depending on the usage and the size of the solar system, this amount could be zero. Batteries can be added to a grid tie system if storage and solar power at night is desired.