Everett Rogers popularized the Diffusion of Innovations in 1962, a theory of how and why new ideas and technologies are adopted by a population. The adoption of solar energy can be analyzed through the following intrinsic characteristics that influence a purchase decision:

Relative Advantage
Potential solar energy adopters want to know how electricity generated by a solar system is better than electricity generated by the utility. With correct engineering and design, the electricity produced by a solar energy system is no different than the electricity delivered by the utility grid. Solar energy can be more reliable and secure than utility electricity when integrated with a backup system – enabling a truly uninterruptible source of energy for the building.

Solar also has a financially advantage to increasingly costly traditional utility electricity. Solar energy both reduced the fixed cost of electricity for the building owner and hedges against further electricity price increases. The environmental benefits of solar is yet another advantage as it eliminates all of the harmful externalities caused by producing energy with coal or other fossil fuels.

Solar also holds a relative advantage to other available renewable energy options. Solar energy is easier to integrate with residential and commercial buildings than other renewable alternatives (wind, geothermal, etc.), far more effective and reliable, and now more economically viable.

Compatibility
Potential solar energy adopters want solar energy to be compatible with their lifestyle and daily routine. Solar is highly compatible with the values and desires of the environmentally-conscious energy consumers. Studies have shown that increasingly more people value the reduction of fossil fuel use and higher efficiency usage of energy, to which solar energy helps achieve both these ends.

The electricity produced by a solar energy system is completely compatible with a buildings need for the energy. There is no difference between the electricity produced by the utility and that produced by solar energy.

Complexity
Potential solar energy adopters want the process to be simple and turnkey. The complexity of solar energy integration has decreased dramatically over the past decade. The purchasing process, provided by most solar integrators, is simple and requires only a few uncomplicated choices from the adopter. The plug- and-play nature of modern solar energy systems requires no interaction or responsibility from the adopter to operate.

Trialability
Potential solar energy adopters would ideally want to "try" solar energy before putting it on their building or land. Although solar energy cannot be "test driven" like a car, interested adopters can "trial" solar by seeing an existing installation in work. Remote monitors and internet interfaces can "show" how the solar energy system produces energy and how much electricity it is generating. Solar Home Tours around the country allow potential buyers to experience solar hands-on and talk to current solar energy homeowners.

Observability
Potential solar energy adopters want to see many systems already installed and operating. As an exterior feature, solar energy is visible on most buildings that have it installed. Solar is on display in very publicly visible areas - such as major airports, commercial buildings, and museums. With over 75,000 solar energy systems installed in the U.S., including hundreds of large and highly noticeable solar farms, there are plenty of opportunities for potential adopters to see solar at work.

In conclusion, it is apparent that solar energy has broken through many barriers to move towards adoption by several key social groups in America. Nonetheless, there is still much to be done - especially in the area of education and knowledge. The adoption process starts with these two essentials; if someone isn’t aware of what solar energy is or what it can do then it renders the rest of the process irrelevant. More resources must be allocated by the manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and state and federal energy departments to educating the population about solar energy – so we can then persuade, implement, and grow solar into a noticeable chunk of the energy solution in the United States.

-Jesse Malcomb

Link: http://www.astraluxsolar.com/images/res_solar_costs_in_co_large.jpg

One of the most frequent questions we get as a solar energy integrator is "Why should I buy now, won't the price of solar keep coming down?"

For the last 12 months, the price of solar has come down drastically, as much as 30% in some cases. However, the rebates for solar have also dropped by virtually the same amount.

As you can see in the graph (click link above to view), the price of residential solar is leveling out, while the rebates continue to decrease (per the new tiered rebate program from Xcel). Thus, the cost to the customer is now beginning to increase for the first time since the introduction of rebates in Colorado.

The price of solar will continue to slowly decrease, with supply levels still high and with more competition than ever between solar integrators - but it is highly unlikely we will see a drop in price like we saw in 2009. The solar rebates are finite, and will continue to decrease until the solar rebate fund is depleted.

There is always the possibility that solar materials will have a major breakthrough and further decrease in price - but will it decrease more than the current value of solar rebates in Colorado? That is the question to ask when you are determining whether to go solar - do it now and get the rebates, or wait and take a chance on solar materials prices significantly decreasing in the future.

Link: http://www.astraluxsolar.com/solar_energy_poll.htm

In our new poll, Astralux Solar asks what would be the most important financial factor in your purchase of a solar energy system for your home or business?

Please click here or the link above to give your answer!

Following in Xcel Energy's footsteps, Black Hills Energy is reducing the solar rebate for small category systems in Colorado (less than 10kW). The rebate will drop from $3.50 per watt down to $2.70 per watt, a reduction of 23%.

This $0.80 per watt reduction in the Black Hills Energy solar rebate will be effective at Midnight tonight (January 15th).

The Black Hills Energy solar rebate, like Xcel Energy, is a combination of a rebate payment and a renewable energy credit (REC) payment. The REC payment of the small category incentive (currently at $1.50 per watt) will decrease to $0.70 per watt, the rebate payment ($2 per watt) is fixed and thus will remain unchanged.

Xcel Energy has initiated similar reductions to their solar rewards rebates over the past several months. Xcel released a new tiered rebate system to inform solar integrators and customers exactly when and how their solar rebate would change in the future. The California Solar Initiative (CSI) has a similar method of distributing rebates.

If you are a Black Hills Energy customer in Colorado, please contact us today if you are interested in solar for your home or business.

Our own Jesse Malcomb is running for one of the three available Board of Director seats for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA). Read his bio below and remember to vote by January 13th.

Following my passion for alternative energies, I currently serve as the VP of Business Development at Astralux Power Systems. With this position, I have been able to leverage my technical background in Government R&D with several years of renewable energy market research and analysis experience. My focus has been to implement strategies to cost]effectively identify and educate receptive market segments that have otherwise been neglected or ignored by the industry. As a corollary, I have developed a deep qualitative understanding of the local solar market. I have been involved in the Colorado solar industry since the start of the "rebate era" in 2006.

My goals for CoSEIA would involve helping the organization focus on working towards greater consumer awareness or "forward equity". We are at a saturation point in the Colorado solar market, and reaching out beyond the typical solar niche markets is the key to the long term success of the solar industry. The catalyst for this outreach must be CoSEIA, as this wonderful organization is the foundation of the Colorado solar industry. I hope to bring my years of proven marketing and development expertise to expanding the reach and awareness of CoSEIA.

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%...

Read More...

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.

I set out to write a blog this week addressing the changes people make and the attitudes they have after they get solar power in their homes. I assumed I would find a plethora of happy customers exalting there new contribution to the environment, and I also assumed that maybe some had become more lax on their energy conservation activities around the home since their energy is now practically free. Instead, I spoke with happy customers who had made no change in their daily routines, as they already were energy conscious before solar, and continued with this mindset even after solar was installed. Their opinion towards the solar panels on their home is that it is their duty to the world. I was surprised to not immediately find the answer I was looking for, but instead to speak with individuals who were truly energy conservationists.

In my mind, the moment I knew I was getting free energy, I would feel no remorse in running the dryer two more times, or leaving my computer on all day. This was a response I expected from at least one of our former solar customers. Instead, I spoke with two of Astralux's past customers who had a completely different attitude. Most of the customers I spoke with replied with a "Why wouldn't I?" sort of attitude towards their solar arrays.

Mr. Alex Wyche, who’s system was installed in May of 2008 said "It [solar] doesn't change anything - we consume less electricity, see our electricity bill cut in half, there's no action on my part, it's invisible." His opinion on the matter is "Why would you not if you have a place for it? It's just a matter of time before they pay for themselves. We have been very pleased."

I later spoke with Mr. Richard Bluhm who shared that he installed solar on his home in September of 2008 for "altruistic reasons". "I know things are desperate. What I do is a drop in the bucket compared to what really needs to be done. We're so far behind." Although Mr. Bluhm has a very substantial 9kW system on his home (the average is about 5kW), which produces about $125 a month of electricity, he admits "I go around turning everyone else's lights out in my home."

Speaking with these individuals opens a new window into how we all should see our energy usage. If we have the means, the location and the ability to install solar - why not? Furthermore, even when we do begin to incorporate significant sustainable energy solutions into our lives, such as solar energy, we must still remain vigilant to maintain an overall energy conscious lifestyle.

We would all benefit from every citizen of this tiny blue planet to adopt this same attitude. The more individuals who contribute their "drop in the bucket" adds up and eventually we will have a puddle, which then could amount to a full bucket. If you have a south facing roof, what is holding you back? If a 3kW system has the same effect on the environment as taking one car off the road per year and 5,208 pounds of coal from being burned each year, imagine the impact if even 10% of Americans made that upgrade.

Link: http://seia.org/cs/solar_bill_of_rights

At the Solar Power International 2009 Conference that took place in Anaheim, CA October 27 - 29, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Rhone Resch presented a call to action with the Solar Bill of Rights. This document brings to light the issues facing the solar industry today. The solutions to these problems are critical for the widespread acceptance and availability of solar power in the United States. Along with other solar professionals, I urge you to read this document and pass it along so that action can be taken to aid in the general usage of solar power in our country, and world.

Below is the Solar Bill of Rights from the SEIA website. http://seia.org/cs/solar_bill_of_rights

SOLAR BILL OF RIGHTS©

To secure a policy environment that allows solar energy to compete and empowers consumers to choose, Rhone Resch declared today, October 27, 2009, in the City of Anaheim, California, a Solar Bill of Rights©:

We declare these rights not on behalf of our companies, but on behalf of our customers and our country. We seek no more than the freedom to compete on equal terms and no more than the liberty for consumers to choose the energy source they think best.

1. Americans have the right to put solar on their homes or businesses. Restrictive covenants, onerous connection rules, and excessive permitting and inspections fees prevent too many American homes and businesses from going solar.

2. Americans have the right to connect their solar energy system to the grid with uniform national standards. This should be as simple as connecting a telephone or appliance. No matter where they live, consumers should expect a single standard for connecting their system to the electric grid.

3. Americans have the right to Net Meter and be compensated at the very least with full retail electricity rates. When customers generate excess solar power utilities should pay them consumer at least the retail value of that power.

4. The solar industry has the right to a fair competitive environment. The highly profitable fossil fuel industries have received tens of billions of dollars for decades. The solar energy expects a fair playing field, especially since the American public overwhelmingly supports the development and use of solar.

5. The solar industry has the right to equal access to public lands. America has the best solar resources in the world, yet solar companies have zero access to public lands compared to the 45 million acres used by oil and natural gas companies.

6. The solar industry has the right to interconnect and build new transmission lines. When America updates its electric grid, it must connect the vast solar resources in the Southwest to population centers across the nation.

7. Americans have the right to buy solar electricity from their utility. Consumers have no choice to buy clean, reliable solar energy from their utilities instead of the dirty fossil fuels of the past.

8. Americans have the right, and should expect, the highest ethical treatment from the solar industry. Consumers should expect the solar energy industry to minimize its environmental impact, provide systems that work better than advertised, and communicate incentives clearly and accurately.

On Tuesday, Xcel announced that they are planning to reduce the solar energy rebates by $0.50 in the next month or two, and they want to reduce their portion of the rebate to $0.05 by 2014. The Solar Rewards program currently provides residential and commercial solar systems with a $3.50 per watt rebate. This consists of a $2 rebate that is required by the state, as well as a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) that can amount to up to $1.50 per watt, depending on the optimization of the system. The REC is what Xcel is hoping to reduce.

Xcel is planning to make this reduction after the next round of Solar Rewards reaches 500 kilowatts, which is projected to be by the end of October or by the year’s end. Before any changes can be made, this plan must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Currently, Gov. Bill Ritter and CoSEIA (Colorado Solar Energy Industry Association) are in full support of the proposal and Xcel. They have made substantial efforts to fulfill the requirements for utility companies to get 20% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The solar power rebates are continuing to drop, which means the time to act, is now. With the other discounts Astralux offers, solar power on your home or business is very affordable, but there is very little time to waist.

More information on Xcel’s proposal can be found at http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/10/26/daily29.html

As the 2009 Solar Decathlon winds to a close, the winners have been announced, and now the houses are open for continued public viewing. It is important to reflect back on the Solar Decathlon, its purpose, what it means for the participants as well as solar as a whole.

As many heard, the awards ceremony that took place this morning pronounced Team Germany as the overall winner of the competition. They finished with a final score of 908.297 out of 1000 points, just barely beating the second place winner, University of Illinois at 897.300 points and Team California in third place with 863.089 points. All of the teams produced fantastic homes and it is always interesting to see what they do with their homes and design ideas when they get back.

The Department of Energy began the Solar Decathlon in 2002 and holds it every other year on the National Mall. It is a chance for the top 20 college teams in the nation and world to compete in 10 different contests, which are architecture, market viability, engineering, lighting design, communications, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, and net metering. The purpose of the decathlon is not only to promote renewable energy and the potential of zero energy homes, but also to foster the education, teamwork and knowledge in the participants, who are the future architects, engineers, builders and communicators of our world. Furthermore, the Department of Energy uses this event as an opportunity to educate the public about renewable energy, efficiency, and the benefits of solar power, as well as to promote R & D in the renewable energy field.

The Solar Decathlon is an exciting event and we want to extend our congratulations to Team Germany and all of the fantastic competitors. It is always interesting to follow and more can be seen at http://www.solardecathlon.org/.

Climate change is an ever debatable topic in our society. The questions of whether it is a conspiracy theory, the natural cycle of the world, or more, typically arise when it is addressed. Rather than igniting a heated debate based on theories, it is important to tackle the changes that need to be made to better our environment. Very few will debate that our country, and much of our world, is far too reliant on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources are finally becoming a common topic in the world, and people are realizing the importance of adopting them. As solar power technology advances and becomes more accessible, it is vital to look into the impact one home’s conversion to solar power can have on the world, and the potential solar power has.

One of the tools Astralux uses when proposing a solar job is what is referred to as a SAT, or Solar Assessment Tool. This uses standard predictions of energy prices, average energy use, pollution and more to calculate the effect one solar system can have on the environment, and the owner’s pocket book. A standard home’s solar system size is generally around 5 kW, but for this example we will look at a hypothetical home installing a smaller, 3.36 kW system, and its impact. Based on our calculations, a system this size will prevent 5,208 pounds of coal from being burned every year, and take the harmful emissions of 1.1 cars per year off the road. Over 25 years of the system’s life, it is estimate that it will prevent 222,276 pounds of CO2, which is the leading green house gas, 640 pounds of NOx, which creates smog, 579 pounds of SO2, which causes acid rain, and 39 pounds of particulates that cause asthma. Furthermore, over 25 years this hypothetical solar system will offset the energy of 324,556 miles driven on an average car (or 12,982 miles per year), 1,058,456 hours lighting a 100 Watt bulb, or 58 average American televisions. To summarize, in 25+ years, this solar system would offset 85% of the average human’s harmful emissions.

A question on your mind may be where we currently get our energy from. The answer to that is, 49.8% coal, 19.9% nuclear, 17.9% natural gas, 6.5% hydroelectric, 3.0% petroleum, 2.3% other renewables, 0.4% other gases, and 0.2% other. In general, one kWh from the standard energy company means, 2.1 pounds of CO2 are released into the environment and 1.23 pounds of coal are burned. Do the math using that with your monthly energy bill, and you can see the impact you are having. The United States total energy use is 3.3 terawatts in a year (1 terawatt = 1 trillion watts). Considering the sun produces enough energy in one minute to power the earth for a year, the question is how that can be captured. All it would take to detain enough sun to power the earth for a year would be 160 billion square meters of land. Granted, that sounds like a decent amount, but when you consider the size of the United States, it is very possible. Furthermore, the idea is not that this space should be a chunk out of the middle of Kansas; think of it spread out over the rooftops of 300 million Americans, and the goal is reached. America has the potential to reduce its need for fossil fuels and to better our environment for our future generations. That answer is solar and other renewable sources such as wind, geothermal, biomass, etc.

What are you doing to reduce climate change? The little actions count and make a difference, but the big steps are right in front of you and just as easily accessible.

www.blogactionday.org

On September 30, 2009 Governor Bill Ritter held a conference call with U.S. Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, to announce further funding for Colorado's efforts towards cleaner energy. They announced that Colorado would receive $34 million in federal stimulus money for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Of that money, $9.5 million is allocated to expand the Renewable Energy Rebates and Grants Program. It is unknown how that amount will directly alter the rebates that homeowners and business owners receive for installing solar pannels, for now. However, with $9.5 million more being added to that pool, we can't be anything but hopeful and excited.

Much of the money will push Colorado's Climate Action Plan, the goal of which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% against 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Some of the rebates will be awarded to homeowners for home improvements to make their homes more energy efficient. Furthermore, a significant amount will be used for rebates and homeowners and businessowners that use renewable energy technology.

With $9.5 million more being pumped into the rebate fund, we can only assume that the outcome will be beneficial to anyone choosing to go solar. As the government rebates increase, as well as other financial incentives, such as the Energy Partners Program, solar is no longer strictly for the extremely rich or the distant future, it's here and affordable now.

Sources: [www.denverpost.com], [www.9news.com], [http://www.facebook.com/astralux?ref=name#/profile.php?id=659981897&ref=ts]

Almost two months ago, Astralux introduced the Energy Partners Program™ and it has quickly become a huge hit. Part of our newly introduced SolarCare™ Package - the Energy Partners Program offers substantial rebates to Astralux customers who gather 3 or more people in their neighborhood or community to go solar. These group rebates can be as high as $500 per kilowatt, meaning thousands of dollars off an already heavily subsidized solar energy system.

In just the first month of this program, dozens of homeowners have gathered “Energy Partners” in their communities to enjoy this extra solar energy discount.

With no middleman to gather these community groups, like One Block off the Grid (1BOG) and other similar companies, there are no referral fees for Astralux to pay. The group discounts go directly to the customer. Thus, the Energy Partners Program promotes widespread adoption by further reducing the cost of solar installation.

So what makes the Energy Partners Program so enticing?

1) Consider that solar energy system prices are at an all time low, as low as $5.50 per watt from Astralux in the Colorado area.
2) Utility Rebates and Tax Credits in Colorado pay for 75% of that cost.
3) The Energy Partners Program pays for up to another 10% of the cost.
4) This leads to solar being installed at as low as 15% of its original cost, or just under $1 per watt.
5) With an average system size of about 5000 watts, that’s a brand new solar energy system for under $5,000!
6) At that price, you’re looking at solar energy that will pay for itself in only 6 years! For a system that is warranted for 25 years.

Just think about that for a second.

These aren’t just extravagant claims, hypothetical’s that would need a miracle breakthrough to actually become tangible. These are actual figures that Astralux customers have already experienced.

These conditions create an ROI that is truly competitive with other investment opportunities, and more importantly brings the cost down enough to allow for more households to afford the upfront cost of solar.

Add in the SolarCare Same-as-Cash Financing Program, which allows for homeowners to go solar for no money down and without any equity required, and you have a recipe for a broad market with the numbers needed to push solar pass the threshold of simply a novel technology and into a practical financial solution for any and every homeowner.

To learn more about our Energy Partners Program or what else Astralux is “cooking up” to break solar into the mainstream, visit our website at www.AstraluxSolar.com.

Xcel Energy modified its Solar Rewards program by offering the ability of 3rd Parties to conduct Power Purchasing Agreements (PPA) within the small system category. They also slightly modified the medium system program to include systems that are sized 100.1 - 500kW and offer an increased REC payment of $125 per MWh. These changes took effect September 1st.

The best news for Coloradans looking to go solar, Xcel did not reduce the rebates as it was rumored to do. Although, they may reduce their rebates at anytime in the future.

Astralux has confirmed that Black Hills Energy, based in Southern Colorado, will be reducing its nation-leading solar energy rebate by $1 per watt - from $4.50 to $3.50 per watt - on September 1st.

This news is also fueling rumors that Xcel Energy may also reduce its solar rebate as well, anywhere from $0.50 to $1.00 - also on September 1st.

If you are a Black Hills Customer and are interested in solar energy, you must act fast! We can reserve the $4.50 per watt rebate for you before it goes down on Tuesday. Contact us to secure your rebate before it is reduced by over 20%.

Link: http://marketwire.denverpost.com/client/denver_post/release.jsp?actionFor=1027331

(Boulder, CO – August 7, 2009) – Astralux Power Systems, a leading solar energy integrator in Colorado, announced the release of the SolarCare Program for residential and commercial solar energy customers.

“SolarCare addresses the key stress points of widespread solar energy adoption,” said Founder and CEO Dr. Rande Treece. “Astralux has always been committed to developing solutions that push solar beyond the typical ‘eco-friendly’ markets and make it more practical for the average consumer.”

Astralux SolarCare consists of three programs:

SolarCare Protection
This protection plan offers the longest labor warranty and performance guarantee in the industry, plus the most comprehensive maintenance, service, cleaning, and monitoring program available.

SolarCare Energy Partners™
By gathering three or more neighbors together to go solar, local communities can receive thousands in Astralux Energy Partners rebates – on top of existing solar utility rebates and tax credits.

SolarCare Financing
Astralux offers up to 18 months same-as-cash, no-equity financing for residential and commercial solar energy systems – allowing consumers to get solar for no money down today and avoid having to wait for the solar tax credit / grant.

“In the quest for widespread adoption of solar, aside from financial feasibility, consumer confidence and community involvement are the tipping points,” explained Jesse Malcomb, VP of Business Development for Astralux. “SolarCare achieves this by allowing the consumer to get solar for no money upfront and protect their investment with our long-term warranties and performance guarantee. The Energy Partners program gets local communities involved by offering substantial group discounts – which also increases acceptance from HOA’s and other community regulatory committees.”

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 the fastest growing solar energy integrator in Colorado.

Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/03/story11.html?q=xcel%20energy

According to unknown sources inside Xcel and local industry rumblings, the Xcel Solar Energy rebate may soon be reduced. There’s speculation that this change could come any time between now and November, but the amount of the reduction is unknown.

In early October 2008, Xcel announced a solar rebate reduction of $1 per watt (from $4.50 to $3.50 per watt). The announcement gave the industry about a one month warning - prompting over a thousand solar rebate applications in October, by far a record for Colorado.

This time, Xcel has indicated that there will be no warning - the rebate reduction will take place as soon as it's announced and any new applications after that will be subject to the lower rebate.

If you are interested in solar for your home or business, now is the time to act. This rebate reduction could happen in November, but it could also happen tomorrow morning.

Applying for a solar rebate is free, simply schedule a free consultation with Astralux and we will start your application. Starting an application DOES NOT obligate you to a purchase, it simply reserves a spot for the current rebate rate.

Contact us today to reserve your rebate at today's rates.

Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/03/daily31.html

With immense pressure bearing down from Colorado solar customers, installers, local government officials, renewable energy advocacy associations, and the Government Energy Office - Xcel has withdrawn the solar fee proposal that was slated for debate on Wednesday.

Dr. Rande Treece, Founder and CEO of Astralux, proclaimed, "This is a big win for the local solar energy community - and sends the message that concerned citizens do have the power to stop large organizations like Xcel from creating unfair policies.”

Astralux received hundreds of phone calls and emails, from customers and strangers alike, concerning this potential "solar fee". Almost every employee and over 2 dozen customers had planned on attending Wednesday's PUC open forum covering the matter. Fortunately, Xcel has come to their senses on this issue and everyone planning to attend can instead spend their time enjoying the Colorado summer!

Thanks to everyone for your support and letters to the PUC - they obviously got the message!

Xcel Energy is proposing unfair rake hikes for new solar energy customers in Colorado. These hikes would unjustly charge new solar owners a minimum usage fee every month simply for the "privilege" to use Xcel's energy grid.

Solar energy not only helps reduce the load demand for Xcel's energy grid, but the solar energy surge (pun intended) has created demand for new businesses setting up shop in Colorado, subsequently leading to more electricity use. In fact, Colorado is Xcel's #1 profit source, and just reported increased profits on higher electricity rates.

Please join us for the Public Utilities Commission open forum on this topic, the more support we can get there - the better:

August 5th - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1560 Broadway, Suite 1550
Denver, CO 80202

Please Note: THIS PROPOSED POLICY DOES NOT APPLY TO EXISTING SOLAR ENERGY OWNERS. If passed, the proposal would go into effect in April 2010, and therefore only solar energy owners after that date would be subject to these proposed charges. If you have a system already installed, you will not be subject to these charges.