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By Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) Policy Development Subcommittee

1) Establish a state tax credit for residential and commercial solar thermal heating and solar electric systems.

When state and federal solar tax credits existed in the early 1980s, there were at least six companies along the front range that were involved in the manufacture of solar thermal collectors and at least nine companies involved in the manufacture of solar thermal controllers. Now there is only one. The tax credits not only financially help those folks who want to install solar energy technology but also help to draw businesses, along with the associated jobs, into the area to manufacture the equipment needed to support the solar industry.

2) Mandate true net metering statewide for renewable energy systems.

There is presently no uniform standard for true net metering within Colorado. Xcel will be offering true net metering for PV systems with rated capacities up to 2 megawatts (MW). Customers of those utilities not offering true net metering do not have a choice from which utility they can buy their energy. With true net metering throughout the state, people wanting to install solar electric systems in all utility service territories will receive similar financial compensation for on-site electrical production from solar systems.

3) Exempt renewable energy equipment from sales and property taxes.

Homeowners and businesses that install new solar energy systems should be rewarded for being early adopters. Exemption of renewable energy equipment from sales and property taxes will reduce the time period for solar energy investments to pay for themselves.

4) Set standards for solar in all state facilities, and set guidelines for solar in all new construction.

The state should take the lead and set standards by which state buildings are to utilize solar energy technologies to reduce energy consumption and reduce their exposure to the increasing costs of energy. Although the initial equipment costs are high, the energy produced is free. Once state standards are set, they can be adapted, as appropriate, and used as guidelines for all new construction throughout the state.

5) Expand Colorado’s renewable portfolio requirements under Amendment 37 to include residential and commercial solar thermal heating systems.

The adoption of Amendment 37 by Colorado voters has sent a strong message that Colorado voters want to increase the use of solar energy in our state. Solar thermal heating systems offer a highly efficient method of collecting the sun's energy to heat water, as well as for space heating and cooling. Amendment 37 applies to electrical power generation, and is a good start. However, it is also appropriate to include the enormous potential that solar thermal systems offer by incorporating these systems into the structure Amendment 37. In sum: add solar thermal to the state’s renewable energy requirement.

6) Establish statewide guidelines for solar installations that streamline permitting and inspections.

Building and planning department inspectors need to know the technical details of the new solar technology being installed in order to effectively permit and inspect newly installed systems. A set of comprehensive guidelines for both solar electric and solar thermal can outline those areas which the solar industry feels a knowledgeable inspector should understand to adequately inspect a newly installed solar system.