Link: http://bit.ly/79JDZ6

2009 was an incredible and adventurous year for solar energy in Colorado, the nation, and the world. Here were the highlights:

1) Despite the recession, the amount of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sold and installed in Colorado increased by over 90%.

2) Over $50 million in solar energy rebates were distributed statewide.

3) The small category (under 10kW in size) saw the greatest increase, going from 6.02 megawatts (MW) installed in 2008 to 12.5MW in 2009.

4) A European solar module supply gut led to solar system material prices dropping by as much as 50%...

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Link: http://bit.ly/7kYlqR

Gov. Bill Ritter announced the award of 14 New Energy Economic Development (NEED) grants to recipients across Colorado for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that will help create and retain jobs, strengthen local economies, and save money and energy. The Colorado Governor's Energy Office created the grants from funds available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Astralux Power Systems was one of the 14 awarded, out of nearly 200 grant applications. Astralux received $60,000 to design and install a 20kW solar energy system for the Crouse Farm in Alamosa, Colorado.

A certified organic farm, currently producing 600 tons of alfalfa hay annually, the electricity from this system will help offset the nearly 64,000kWh of energy needed to irrigate the farm’s crops. Located in Alamosa, the Crouse Farm will provide Southern Colorado a model for the sustainable and energy efficient farm of the future. Crouse has already begun arrangements for school "field trips" to his farm with the hope of creating a sustainable road map for the future farmers of America. This project will also be able to showcase solar energy in an area of Colorado thus far neglected in renewable energy efforts.

Grant Summary - Astralux Power Systems: This Boulder-based company received $59,940 to install a photovoltaic system to offset irrigation costs at the Crouse Farm located in Alamosa, CO. Contact: Jesse Malcomb, Astralux Power Systems.

Osea Nelson has been named one of the Top 25 Salespeople in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine. Osea has been a Client Services Representative for Astralux since 2008, and is a big reason for Astralux's success over the past 2 years.

Everyone at Astralux congratulates Osea for this distinction and for all of his accomplishments in the solar energy field.