It is a unique time for the solar industry here
in Colorado. The utility rebates offered by Xcel, Black Hills,
and other local energy companies remain among the best in
the nation. All the while, the price of solar modules has
drastically dropped - due to a large surplus from lower demand
in the European markets.
The last time we had news that favored the solar
energy consumer here in Colorado was October of last year.
That was when it was announced that the Federal Tax Credit
for solar energy had been increased to 30% with no cap on
the amount you could be credited. This resulted in Xcel suddenly
announcing that they were reducing their solar rebate from
$4.50 to $3.50 per watt, a reduction of 22%. Xcel Energy reserves
the right the reduce the amount of the rebate at ANY time.
With these lower materials cost and fierce cost
competition in the local solar industry, solar energy is the
cheapest it has ever been here in Colorado - even with the
rebate at $3.50 per watt. Due to this new situation, we predict
that Xcel will soon move to further reduce the rebate in an
effort, much like last October, to level the cost of solar
and keep demand at a manageable level.
This reduction
could come next week, it could come in several months. The
fact remains that these next 2 - 3 months may prove to be
the best time ever to invest in solar for your Colorado Home
or Business. To reiterate..
1) Solar module prices (the
bulk of the cost of a system) have drastically decreased
over the past 9 months. However, the past two months has
seen prices level out as European demand for solar slowly
bounces back.
2) Xcel (for the time being)
has held their rebates at $3.50 per watt and Black Hills
(Southern Colorado) remains at $4.50 per watt, making them
the #1 utility rebate in the US. These rebates will be reduced,
it's only a matter of when.
3) Colorado electricity rates
have risen faster than any state over the past decade. Xcel
has issued rate increases at least once every year since
2002 - making Colorado
their #1 revenue source.
4) Colorado is meeting its
Renewable Portfolio Standards faster than anticipated -
meaning any rebate for solar (especially residential) may
not be around for much longer.
The Colorado
solar energy market continues to grow, despite the current
economic recession. Colorado is on pace to break last year's
record of systems sold for both residential and commercial
applications - as this industry continues to reward solar
pioneers with rebates and credits.
Solar and renewable energies will continue to
be a driving force in Colorado's economy for decades to come.
But for the consumer, solar energy may never be more economical
than it is now.
Astralux
will be offering our Premium SolarCare package for FREE (up
to a $4,000 value) with any system purchased through June
31st.
The Astralux
SolarCare Plan provides the type of security you need to make
this important investment in solar energy. Our Premium plan
includes a 15 year labor warranty (industry standard is 5
years), and includes yearly maintenance, service, cleanings,
and monitoring.
This
promotion will end on June 31st, so
act fast!
Watch
for our new Solar Energy Commercial airing on Fox 31 Denver,
it will be running over the next few months. We are the first
solar company in Colorado to broadcast TV commercials!
Energy
Partners Program
A
reminder that Astralux offers a $500 referral fee.
If you know anyone who is interested in solar, let them know
about Astralux - and make sure they mention that you referred
them!
