2009 – A Year to Remember for Solar in Colorado
Overview
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%.
5) As a result, the average installed cost for a residential solar energy system in Colorado dropped by an average of 30% (from $8 per watt in 2008 to ~$5.60 per watt in 2009).
6) The two major Colorado utilities dropped their solar rebates from $4.50 per watt in August 2008 to currently $3.50 per watt (Black Hills Energy) and $2.85 per watt (Xcel Energy).
7) The shakeout period began for integrators, leading to improved competitive strategies and more
aggressive cost competition amongst the leading Colorado solar integration companies.
8) Colorado rose to the #3 solar energy state in the nation. Over 5,000 solar projects have now been
completed across the state since 2006...
