While the use of solar power in northwest Colorado may be a new concept to some, solar has a long-established history. Just over the mountains in Golden, NREL – the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, was established in 1977. You may recall it as “SERI” – Solar Energy Research Institute, it’s earlier title.
Its research continues today with lab tests, on-site experiments, and partnering with organizations around the world. Current endeavors include all kinds of renewable energy, not just solar that was its original focus.
Colorado, home to 360 average days per year of sunshine is an especially good fit for capturing solar. Whether small residential or larger commercial installations, the option of solar power can save tremendously on our ever growing heating and electrical bills. After the past long and harsh winter around Meeker, we should be welcoming the option of solar power.
Solar has a demonstrated ability to provide safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable benefits.
Solar is cost effective. Most commercial solar farms pay off their system quickly and then provide at least 30 years of free electricity. The initial installation takes 1-2 years when costs to the developer are higher and disruption greater. Then, things smooth out with just periodic engineering checks on operational functionality.
Commercial solar farms have a small footprint. The equipment is only a few feet high and can be installed in pods to allow wildlife migration. Unlike wind turbines, solar is not an ugly site and often out of the public’s site. They are not an imposing wall such as the USA/Mexico border and I’m pretty sure the deer and elk are smart enough to walk through the wildlife corridors or around.
Solar generation makes little to no sound. It doesn’t irritate wildlife or humans like oil rigs. Further, it doesn’t tear up the earth to extract and leave an ugly scar. Solar is the most environmentally friendly renewable energy resource.
Along with homes, solar can power schools, agriculture, healthcare facilities, businesses, and government institutions. It’s a possible source to power supplemental power to EV’s and even your travel trailer.
So, how do we get solar to help us individuals? As the NREL folks explained to me long ago, it depends on the support of the infrastructure. To get solar to our individual homes and ranches, we need commercial resources to “harvest” the power and send it on to us.
Just like my mother, now 99, whose farmhouse in southern Indiana got electricity because REA (Rural Electric Authority) was supported by the federal government in the 1930’s, even rural homes transitioned from oil lamps and coal powered fireplaces to the magic of electricity. Imagine the joy of heating their bedrooms and not having to dress by the fireplace to stay warm.
We are at a similar crossroads where we can support our government agencies to approve and support alternative energy or continue to pay more and more for dying and expensive resources along with supporting the health of our environment.
The installation and operation of a commercial installation requires many entities to commit to a project. The developers research appropriate properties, arrange leases, acquire permits, and local government approvals. Next, construction crews install the panels and connections. Then, engineers monitor the viability of installation. A provider of power must purchase the energy and get it transported, possibly stored, and distributed.
Colorado already has over 300,000 solar installations, most of these in homes. Additional household owners are hoping to install solar and save energy costs. It is a sustainable endeavor that is growing in use.
Let’s be forward thinking and support an energy resource that will benefit not just us, but our children and grandchildren.
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times