Supporting Solar Energy
Issue: Ensuring a Sustainable Future
Target Level of Office: State
Policy Origin: Colorado State Legislature
Poilcy/Bill Number: House Bill 10-1001
Link: www.YEONetwork.org/2013policy/?i=212
Summary Narrative of the Policy: This chaptered law established incentives for the installation
of newly distributed renewable energy generation facilities in Colorado, increased the target
percentages under the Electric Utility Portfolio Standard to encourage Colorado utilities to
generate five percent of their retail electricity sales from distributed renewable sources by the
year 2020, and adopted standards for the installation of distributed solar electric generation
equipment.
Relevant Talking Points & Important Information:
• Colorado is one of our nation’s top solar states. The state Renewable Portfolio Standard
(RPS), which set a goal of getting 30 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable
sources by 2020, also includes a 3 percent carve-out for distributed generation resources
like rooftop solar. A popular rebate program and strong net metering policy have further
cleared the way for private investment in Colorado solar.
• HB 10-1001 opened the door for renewable energy in Colorado and laid the groundwork
for House Bill 10-1342, which applies rebates and renewable energy credits to solar
generation facilities jointly owned by 10 or more customers at a shared location, also
known as community solar gardens.
• Solar is the cleanest, most abundant renewable energy source available. With this
tremendous potential, it’s no surprise that solar is one of the fastest-growing sectors
of the American economy with more than 6,100 solar companies currently employing
American workers in every state.
• States across the country understand the promise of solar power, and California, Arizona,
Colorado, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Nevada are all leading the way in domestic
solar installations.
• While solar energy plays an important role in fighting climate change and over-dependence
on harmful fossil fuels, it’s important to note that solar projects should be developed
sustainably to avoid harming existing ecosystems.
36
State Level
Policy
2014 Book