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These solar panels north of Colorado Springs along Interstate 25 are part of a 30-acre installation at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Solar farms are becoming more common, particularly along the Front Range, but rural areas can benefit too.
Holyoke, Colo. —
By Candace Krebs
Farmers and ranchers already use solar panels to power electric fences, water wells and tank heaters. But two energy workshops held recently in Northeastern Colorado were designed to provide rural residents with information about how to make solar a bigger part of their energy portfolio.
While wind energy makes up a much larger portion of the state and federal renewable fuels standard so far, going solar is an increasingly popular option in sun-drenched states like Colorado.
While wind energy makes up a much larger portion of the state and federal renewable fuels standard so far, going solar is an increasingly popular option in sun-drenched states like Colorado.
“Why all the buzz? It’s creating a lot of jobs here in Colorado,” said Rebecca Cantwell, senior program director for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association based at Boulder. She spoke at back-to-back meetings in Holyoke and Fort Morgan coordinated by the Colorado State University Extension Service. “The fuel is free. And an aspect that is increasingly important in Colorado is that it doesn’t use any water.”
The commercial market for solar energy grew 127 percent in 2011, she said. When it comes to the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, Colorado ranks fifth nationally while New Mexico is fourth.
The commercial market for solar energy grew 127 percent in 2011, she said. When it comes to the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, Colorado ranks fifth nationally while New Mexico is fourth.
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