Renewable Energy

Renewable energy or "green power" is produced from sources that are renewable and environmentally sustainable. Renewable energy generates less pollution and waste than conventional fossil fuels, and is an important part of reaching Boulder's climate action goals. Examples of green power include electricity produced from:

• sunlight,
• wind,
• moving water,
• organic plant and waste material, and
• heat from the earth (geothermal).

There are several ways you can invest in renewable energy, from purchasing wind power for your home or business to an on-site generating system, such as solar panels that produce energy or hot water.

Xcel Energy's Windsource Program

Pay a small fee in addition to your normal energy bill and help increase the amount of energy in your area that is generated by renewable sources. Participating in the Windsource program also means you don't have to pay fuel cost and air quality improvement charges.

Renewable Energy Certificates

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a great way to invest in the development of renewable energy. Purchase a renewable energy certificate, and you'll help increase the amount of renewable energy fed into the grid, displacing non-renewable forms of electricity.

• RECs are purchased in kWh blocks, but can also be sold according to their emissions value.
• For additional information, visit Western Resource Advocates' informational page on Green Power.

Solar Sales Tax Rebate

• There are federal tax credits in place for both PV and solar thermal (hot water) systems
• The City of Boulder provides a partial sales and use tax rebate  on qualified photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems installed within the city of Boulder.
• Funding generated by the solar rebate is also used to provide Solar Grants for the installation of solar electric and solar thermal (hot water) systems.

Carbon Offsets

Once you've taken measures to conserve energy and improve efficiency in your home or business, carbon offsets can help reduce the remainder of your carbon footprint. Carbon offsets are projects and activities that help "neutralize" our emissions, by reducing the need to generate an equal amount of carbon elsewhere.

Offsets are mainly derived from energy conservation, methane capture, renewable energy projects, and reforestation. They can be purchased by individuals and businesses through a number of organizations and formal trading systems. The funds collected by these offset organizations are used to promote and implement additional emissions-reducing projects.

For more information about carbon offsets, please visit the Colorado Carbon Fund.

Solar Energy Installations in Boulder

• View Boulder's solar progress over time using Google Earth or Google Maps. Learn how!

Solar Energy Installations at City Facilities

• Learn about the Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plan Solar Power Project!
• Solar PV and/or thermal panels are now helping power several city buildings. Read the details and link to live data!
  

Last Updated on Friday, 22 March 2013 07:28