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 Colorado has the fifth best solar potential in the nation and could greatly increase its use of solar power.
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This fall, Environment Colorado is launching Go Solar!, a campaign to realize Colorado’s solar energy potential. Our research shows that Colorado could equip a quarter-million roofs with solar energy collectors, reducing global warming pollution and increasing Colorado’s energy independence.
With 300 days of sunshine every year, Colorado has the fifth best solar potential in the country. “We are essentially sitting on an energy goldmine,” said Energy Advocate Emily Francis. “With such potential, it makes no sense to continue increasing our use of dirty energy like coal and oil.”
Colorado is at an energy crossroads, with an increasing population and an increasing demand for electricity. By 2020, Colorado is expected to need 4,000 additional megawatts—equal to eight new coal-fired power plants (operating at the average 500 mW capacity).
When Colorado voters passed Amendment 37 in 2004, it helped jump-start solar development by requiring that 10 percent of our energy be from renewable sources by 2015, including increasing solar power.
“We need to do more to stimulate a solar energy economy,” said Francis. “We can, and should, be a nationwide leader in solar energy generation.”
Through the Go Solar! campaign, Environment Colorado is proposing concrete steps that encourage more solar development statewide. These steps include creating a Renewable Energy Fund that provides financial incentives to homeowners, developers and manufacturers who utilize solar power.
While coal- and oil-fired power plants contribute to poor air quality, asthma attacks and global warming, solar power has the smallest impact on the environment. Increasing solar energy will also help protect Colorado’s wilderness from the search for dwindling supplies of oil and gas.
As Assembly and Senate members reconvene for the next legislative session, Environment Colorado will be there to hold them to their solar pledge and help push good, meaningful changes that help to drive solar development across the state. |
