Energy Resources - Solar Energy
Whether you want to power all of your electrical needs from the sun, or just your hot water heater, solar energy in Colorado makes perfect sense. What’s more, installing solar equipment is more affordable now than ever. The federal government is offering generous tax rebates and local utilities are providing hefty incentives. Check out the following links to learn more about what you need for an efficient solar home or business, and what kind of help is currently available.
Solar Energy Basics to help get you started
- Solar Radiation Basics (US Department of Energy)
- Community Solar Access (US Department of Energy)
- Solar Energy Basics (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
- CSU Clean Energy SuperCluster: Solar (Colorado State University)
- Purdue Solar Energy (Purdue University Extension)
Rebates and Incentives
There are a number of incentive programs available for Colorado residents wishing to invest in solar energy and other energy efficiency practices. Their applicability depends on which solar technology is implemented. Also check with your local power company for any incentive programs they may offer in addition to the programs listed below.
Electric Generation from the Sun (Photovoltaics)
- Small Solar Electrical Generation (US Department of Energy)
- Get Your Power From the Sun: A Consumer’s Guide (US Department of Energy)
- Own Your Power!: A Consumer’s Guide to Solar Electricity for the Home (US Department of Energy)
- New Mexico State University Research and articles on applicable codes for PV systems.
Solar Energy Calculators
Curious about how large a system you would need for your home? Check out some of these resources.
- American Solar Energy Society: FindSolar (Click on Calculators to estimate the photovoltaic system size, estimated costs, applicable incentives/rebates, and return on investment)
- Homer – Analysis of various alternative energy generation technologies (Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory)
- NREL PV-Watts (Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory) A performance calculator for grid-connected PV systems.
- Texas State Energy Conservation Office Energy calculators and software.
Solar Hot Water
- Heat Your Water with the Sun: A Consumer’s Guide (US Department of Energy)
- Solar Water Heaters (description) (US Department of Energy)
- Solar Thermal Guide: Affordable Solar Hot Water Heating (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) Colorado School of Mines & iCAST Senior Design Project, Spring 2008 School of Engineering.
- Dickinson College Solar Greenhouse project Solar Radiant and hot water heating system put into action.
Passive Solar
- Passive Solar Home Design (US Department of Energy) Numerous articles on passive solar design technologies.
Solar Space Heating
- Ventilation Preheating (US Department of Energy)
Solar Industry
- Solar Energy International Offers numerous online and on-site educational courses and credentials for solar professionals (and other clean energy and building technologies).
- Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association
- Solar Energy Industries Association
- Additional Renewable Energy Links
