(Alamosa, CO – May 21, 2010) – Astralux Power Systems, a leading solar energy integrator in Colorado, has finished a 19.74 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system installation on the Crouse Organic Farm in Alamosa, Colorado. This project was partially funded through the Colorado Government Energy Office’s (GEO) New Energy Economy Development (NEED) grant program. The Crouse solar project was one of 17 projects to be funded out of over 200 applicants. The NEED grant program was created with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Crouse Farm solar project is an integral step towards transitioning into a “green farm of the future”. This certified organic farm is currently producing 500-600 tons of alfalfa hay annually. The electricity produced by the solar energy system will offset an estimated 55% of the 64,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity needed to irrigate the farm’s crops. The system will also prevent approximately 24,000 pounds of coal from being burned annually. Located in Alamosa, the Crouse farm will provide Southern Colorado with a model for a sustainable and energy efficient farm. This project will also showcase solar energy in an area of Colorado lacking in renewable energy installations, as this will only be the second grid-tied solar energy system in the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative service area.

“We strongly believe transitioning our farm to renewable energy, in this case solar power, is a win-win scenario for both the farmer and the environment”, said Ken Crouse, owner and operator. “This project, along with our current transition into certified organic crops, will significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Furthermore, we believe this transition will ultimately provide Southern Colorado with a GREEN model farm of the future. We intend to arrange field trips with local schools to our farm, thus enriching the minds of our youth and helping to create a sustainable road map for the future farmers of America.”

“We believe projects like this are at the essence of the Recharge Colorado initiative,” said Jesse Malcomb, Vice President of Business Development for Astralux. “This solar energy system helps increase our state’s energy independence while allowing this farm to continue producing an important crop for the local economy.”

About Astralux
Astralux, established in 1992, is a Boulder, Colorado-based solar energy integration firm and was originally founded to research and develop silicon and semiconductor materials and devices. Leveraging its extensive R&D in advanced solar energy technologies, Astralux created the Power Systems group which has developed proprietary engineering, design, rendering, and installation solutions for the solar energy integration industry. This technical expertise allows Astralux to offer the exclusive SolarCare™ protection plan, providing the longest and most comprehensive labor warranty and performance guarantee in the industry. Since 2007, Astralux Power Systems is fastest growing solar energy integrator in Colorado.

From the GEO Website:

"Coloradans can soon tap into millions of Recovery Act dollars and take steps to save money, boost the economy and save energy as the Governor's Energy Office and partners prepare to launch a sweeping, statewide rebate program April 19. This initiative is designed to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to tens of thousands of Coloradans and will provide nearly 75,000 rebates worth approximately $22 million."

For 2010, the Colorado GEO solar rebate is set at $1.50 per watt (up to 3kW for residential and 10kW for commercial projects). Several rural and co-op electric utilities in Colorado are offering matching funds to the GEO rebate, bringing the overall solar rebate up to $3 per watt. This is more than the current Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy solar rebate of $2.55 per watt in Colorado.

Astralux has special GEO 3kW solar packages for Residential and 10kW packages for Small Business projects. These packages come with a free energy audit of your home or business.

Funds for the GEO solar rebate are first-come, first-serve.

http://www.astraluxsolar.com/Astralux_GEO_Solar_Package.pdf