Recently, Xcel Energy has cut incentives offered to customers for using solar energy which is deterring citizens from further investing in solar systems. As Steve Raabe reports, “The utility is asking state regulators to approve further cutbacks in the subsidy program. Xcel said the reductions are justified because the cost of solar panels has been declining and customers no longer need higher incentives to offset installation costs.” Solar panels are becoming much more common, especially in Denver; therefore, they are becoming less costly. The article also addresses the concerns of Neal Lurie, executive director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association, who states, “This is absolutely devastating to the solar industry. No industry can survive this kind of shock.” These incentives are necessary in the promotion of solar energy because the financial sanctions lure people in more efficiently due to the high costs.
With the effects of the recent recession still looming, this is an opportune time to promote energy preservation. With every tank of gas we purchase, we are fueling terrorism and jeopardizing our national security. A portion of the $3.20 per gallon that we are spending on gas is propping up the Saudi Arabian oil sheiks. In theory, we are providing the monetary means to terrorists for attacking the United States. There are reasonable ways to lessen our support of the Middle East and solar energy is a solid alternative to purchasing oil. Through renewable energy we can support our own economy and contribute less to the economies of the volatile Middle East.
Denver has been a huge leader in this movement which is seen by the solar panels off of Route 6 West in addition to the panels at the Denver International Airport. Specifically, the panels off of Route 6 “generate nearly 10 percent of the Denver Federal Center's peak electricity demand”. They are currently producing 3.2 megawatts of power and the solar project is being expanded with an expected finish date of August 2011. The Denver Business Journal states, “The second phase involves two fields of solar power panels capable of generating 2.39 megawatts and 10 carport structures topped with panels capable of generating 1.06 megawatts.” This innovative technology is giving Denver a leg up on other cities in the race to create an environmentally friendly community.
The solar project outside of the Jeppesen Terminal was created in 2008. The panels contribute, “3.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually at DIA and support Denver’s commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere by more than five million pounds each year.” Five million pounds of carbon emissions is a colossal amount of toxins that would be choking our atmosphere if the panels did not exist.
Our environment is rapidly changing and we need to be proactive in preserving the only atmosphere we have. This rouses emotions in people because our well-being, the health of animals, and the growth of plants are all affected by our actions. The carbon emissions we discharge into the air are killing the wildlife in addition to our beautiful milieu. It is depressing to see eighteen-wheelers releasing thick, black smoke into the air each time they shift gears while they’re driving through the natural, breath-taking Rockies. There are many aspects of our society that we cannot change, however when given the opportunity to make changes, we need to do everything in our power to make a difference.
Denver is establishing their credibility through their actions as well. Their stance on current environmental concerns is evident by the implementation of solar panels around the city. It’s clear to citizens in the area that they need to support Denver by taking personal action and reducing their carbon emissions. Also, the idea of reduce, reuse, recycle in addition to solar panels on homes has become prominent. If the city of Denver continues to take action in the “green” scene, the chain reaction of citizens being proactive will persist. One organization in particular, has been a leader in driving citizens to help out. The Colorado Renewable Energy Society releases newsletters each month to their members in the community regarding manners in which the everyday citizen can help out. For example, the latest issue addresses “Solar PV Leasing an Attractive Option for Homeowners”. The beginning of the article states,
Even with rebates, tax credits and net metering, it is a financial stretch for many homeowners to purchase a system outright. In order to bring solar PV into the reach of more residents, several companies in Colorado have implemented programs for solar leasing. Under the solar leasing programs, a homeowner pays little or nothing up front to gain the long-term financial and environmental benefits that solar PV provides.
They provide very useful information and viable options for people of all demographics to do their share in saving the environment. Even though the systems are still expensive, there are ways to lease the panels which is making them much more accessible to the public. The resources and means to use solar are available therefore serious consideration should be placed on leasing the systems.
In a state with 300 days or more of sunshine, Colorado is the ideal place to use solar energy in businesses in addition to homes. The government and private companies have given us the solutions to reducing our carbon emissions, it’s now our time to take advantage of these opportunities. Solar has proven to be successful and if we are truly concerned about the condition of our environment as well as our future environment, we need to take action and invest in solar energy. As a community and individually, we will not regret the investment.
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