State of Solar Energy in Southwest Colorado

Today is an exciting time for renewable energy worldwide and here in southwest Colorado. This newsletter will be one in a series that discusses what is happening in solar energy and how it affects us here in southwest Colorado.

Recently an industry trade group was formed. We call ourselves Southwest Solar Installers Association or SSIA. This group was formed by local solar installers with the goals of education and promotion of renewable energies, primarily focused on solar, in the four corners area.

Education

The educational aspects focus on teaching the public what solar can do for us, and where it is best used. Demonstrations at local events and locations, such as the Durango Discovery Museum, give kids and adults alike the chance to play with solar toys and electronics to better understand their uses and limitations. Please come to play, experiment, and ask lots of questions. Who knows, you may come up with some great ideas for how we can better use solar energy to help our planet.


The second aspect of our educational side is to work with and teach our policy makers how we can best use solar to meet our sustainability and economic goals. Collaborating with the Durango City Council, 4CORE, and La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), we are working to show the value our industry has for our local economy. In the past 2 years the solar industry has generated over $5 million dollars for our region, with almost 300 net metered customers in LPEA territory alone producing over 100 Megawatt Hours (MWH) annually.

Solar installations have economic impacts beyond just our companies and employees. Solar companies hire electricians, engineers, excavators, and roofers, to name a few. We buy lots of supplies locally, from wire and conduit to pipes and concrete. Most of the money from a solar installation is kept within the local economy, creating jobs and demand for goods and services.

A third component of SSIA education focuses on the continuing education of all installers. Whether that means more certifications, such as North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), or safety requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), we strive to be better at what we do. Best installation practices are a key component to keeping a good name for our industry and we regularly share tips that may make things safer, more efficient, or more cost effective.

Promotion of Renewable Energy

The policy side of our group follows up with the education we try to share with policy makers. SSIA is focusing on how we can deploy more solar energy, in the most cost effective manner, to our regional grid. The companies within our group primarily install net metered photo voltaic (PV) systems for residential and small commercial applications. This means that the power produced is used at the same location where it is produced and excess electricity flows back onto the electric grid. We believe that this point of use production and consumption is one of the most effective uses of solar energy.

However, not everyone has the ability to install panels at their location. One possible solution is to install “community solar gardens.” This means a much larger solar array is tied into the grid in a suitable location so customers can buy the panels and the energy they produce. We are working to develop a policy with LPEA that meets their standards for what is often referred to as “virtual net metering”, meaning the production is at a different site than the usage meter of an LPEA member. Currently our member owned co-op does not have a policy that would allow for this, but we are confident that working together we can find a solution.

Another policy we would like to see implemented is the use of our local green energy funds to deploy more renewables. Currently, members of LPEA have been buying green energy blocks. This money can be used to buy more wind power from places like Wyoming, or can stay in a local renewable energy fund. This fund is has typically been used to install educational solar PV systems at our local schools. This is a great way to educate kids and teachers on the benefits of solar energy.

Another possible use of funds could be to augment the current renewable energy credit (REC) payments from Tri-State and boost local installation of more residential and commercial PV. This could help make southwest Colorado a leader in renewable energy while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This policy would not cost the regular LPEA member anything as the funds are revolving and come from members that already buy “Green Blocks” for their homes or business.

These two policies would come at net zero cost to members or citizens and could easily double the amount of solar energy on our local grid within two years. SSIA is working on these and other issues to help deploy more renewable energy locally. After all, we have one of the best regions in the country for harvesting the power of the sun. Contact SSIA for more info.

Please voice your opinions regarding renewable energy, virtual net metering, and green energy funds to your local utility, as well as local, state and federal government representatives. The more our community gets involved in renewable energy the more independent and resilient our community will become.

Stay tuned to future Energy to Evolve Blogs and 4CORE newsletters for solar information about technology, costs and innovations, including how to use solar thermal systems for hot water and space heating. If you have any questions about solar please contact an SSIA member.

See you out in the sunshine!

About the Author

Derek has over 12 years of experience in the solar industry, beginning with a BS degree from St. Lawrence University in Environmental Science Philosophy. Working as a solar installer his senior year of school, he was able to install PV systems in cloudy upstate New York. After making his way to Durango, Derek continued his solar education and experience which led to the birth of SolarWorks in 2006.

Now, Derek has a beautiful wife Ginny and son Granite, and enjoys all that Colorado has to offer. He continues to learn and seek higher certifications, sitting for the NABCEP solar exams later this year. Derek is proud to serve the community and the environment, and wakes up with a smile every morning because the sun shines so much in Durango.

Resource Smart Business Program: Open for Business

The RSBP is a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses operate more efficiently. Businesses who participate will learn how to assess their energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability. Businesses that make positive changes will then become “Resource Smart Certified” and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts. The RSBP is a collaboration between  Fort Lewis College Environmental Center (FLCEC), Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata (HLLP), Local First, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and SWConnect and is funded through a grant from the EPA that was awarded to La Plata County. The RSBP enables local businesses to participate in the program free of charge. A total of 30 businesses are expected to participate in the RSBP and become “Resource Smart” certified by the end of 2013. Current business participants include:

Pine River Bank in Bayfield,  KSUT Four Corners Public Radio in Ignacio,  Durango Natural Foods, Pediatric Associates of Durango,  Durango Coffee Company,  Task Masters,  Brown's Sport Shoe,

Animas Museum,  For the Birds LLC,  Gloss,  Linda's Local Food Cafe,  Backcountry Experience, and  Southern Ute Cultural Museum.

Anticipated and realized benefits for these businesses include:

• Free business assessments, valued at $1,500; 
• A $1000 rebate for implementing energy efficiency measures; 
• Reduced operations costs, which improves profit and cash flow; 
• Exposure to new markets and new customers; 
• Increased employee productivity; 
• Boosted brand integrity for competitive advantage;
• Positive media exposure and promotional materials; 
• Multiple levels of participation and recognition; 
• Access to ongoing support and education on sustainable business practices; and 
• Networking opportunities with other resource smart business participants.

The goal is to transition into a fee-for-service program after 30 businesses are served through the EPA grant. It is the RSBP’s vision to make the “resource smart” certification recognized and valued by all La Plata County businesses, employees, and consumers as the most highly valued certification for businesses.

To receive certification, business owners and employees will be required to complete a six-step certification process, which includes:

Orientation,  Assessment,  Recommendations,

Implementation,  Education, and  Third party recognition.

For businesses that want to implement recommended energy efficient measures, the RSBP website provides a list of qualified local contractors.

Currently, 4CORE coordinates the  program to ensure consistent scheduling, follow-up, and resources for businesses.

For information on how to apply and to learn more about the RSBP visit the website.

About the Author: 

Brent Walsh is the Sustainable Business Developer for the RSBP. Brent is from Denver, CO and graduated from Fort Lewis College in the spring of 2012 with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Spanish. While living a San Jose, Costa Rica for a year he took a sustainable development class and has wanted to work in the field of international sustainable business development ever since. Brent is responsible for developing the business plan for the Resource Smart Business Program. When not working Brent enjoys hanging out with his friends and family, music, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and traveling.

Energy Audits: Science, Not Guesswork

Without an energy audit how does one decide where to put their efforts and resources in regard to energy efficiency? Many people feel that they need new windows, or new doors, or want solar panels. A professional energy audit takes the guess work out of where in your home or business energy improvements should be made. The modern energy audit utilizes state-of- the-art testing equipment like infrared camera thermography, blower door air pressure testing with very sensitive pressure testing manometers, and combustion analyzers to hone in on where energy efficiencies are lacking.

Our national testing laboratories, Oakridge Tennessee, Lawrence Berkley, California, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden Colorado, have developed very sophisticated testing techniques coupled with massive data sets to build complex algorithms that accurately predict the energy savings associated with common upgrades like new windows, additional insualtion in the attic or walls, as well as furnace or boiler upgrades. Today's professional energy auditors are nationally certified and, through training, have developed an understanding of the home as a system. These computer modeling software applications now accurately predict the energy savings of proposed improvements. 

Don't just guess where to invest your hard earned dollars. Rather, hire a professional to analyze and model your home. Then make smart investments in your home or busineses energy management. Return on investment should be your guide and a smart energy investment will pay you back for years to come.

4CORE encourages our community members to make these smart energy efficiency choices. There is a multiplier effect which takes your investment in efficiency further: When you save on your utility burden these dollars are proven to stay in the community.

Don't wait for higher utility prices, get an energy audit now. Begin by learning more about 4CORE's new HomeRx Program, which escorts you through the auditing process, or find an auditor on the 4CORE webpage.


About the Author: 
Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Executive Director Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area Gregg has been in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years. Greggs’ previous experience includes Commercial energy auditing, Residential Services Network training and certification, residential general contracting, residential real estate inspection services, high school math and science teacher, former ski patroller, and aged outward bound instructor. Gregg has certifications as a BPI Building Analyst, RESNET Commercial Energy Management, Lead Safe Renovator, as well as in 2009 International Residential Code Compliance and OSHA 10. In addition, Gregg is an avid dog musher, proud father of Lydia and Hayden, and happily married to Gretchen.

Lend Me an Upgrade!

Local Loans Available for Energy Upgrades  

  

There's a new, simple way for home and business owners in Southwest Colorado to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their homes and offices. Region 9 Economic Development District andFirst National Bank are partnering with the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to bring loan options for energy upgrades to our area. CHFA's Green Colorado Credit Reserve helps lending institutions offer loans for energy upgrades by incentivizing local lending institutions with a "reserve account" that offers them some protection in the event that a borrower defaults on a loan.

This is allowing businesses and homeowners to take out low-interest loans in order to reduce their energy bills allowing them to pay back the loan more quickly. This summer, make energy upgrades your home or business and take advantage of this new loan program! For more information, contact 4CORE, or the lending institutions below:

Business Energy Upgrade Loan
Ed Morlan
Region 9 Economic Development District
970-247-9621
email Ed

Home Energy Upgrade Loan
Kathy Burgess
First National Bank of Durango
970-247-3020
email Kathy

Potential Energy Tour in 2012 Call for Nominations

4CORE is researching the possibility of holding the Energy Tour in 2012 and reaching out for home or business nominations to be on the tour.

The Energy Tour would be held on Saturday, September 29th. We are looking for 4 - 5 (homes/businesses) to showcase energy efficiency, renewables and/or other resource efficient design. 

 All homes or businesses must:  

• have at least two energy features (renewable or efficiency)
• be available for show by owner and renewable/efficiency installer on Saturday, September 29th, 
• be located within 5 miles of Durango City Limits,
• have adequate parking for 5-8 vehicles at a time, and
• not be for sale during the tour.

Nominate Now!

Please nominate a property by Thursday, June 21st to ensure your nomination is reviewed.

Interested in Sponsoring this year's potential tour?

Benefits include logo placement on tour maps, posters and internet communications, as well as name placement on mailed invitations, radio interviews, and other spoken announcements.

Contact 4CORE for details 

Transit Options in Southwest Colorado

Transportation Providers in SW Colorado: Click to enlarge

The five counties in the southwest corner of Colorado cover over 5,000 square miles. It is estimated that at least 85-90% of all ground travel occurs in personal and business vehicles. Some trips are by bike and foot. Other trips though make use of various transit options.

For commuting to work, the percentage of workers in some of the major cities and towns in the region report the following:

• 6-13% carpool
• 3-8% walk to work
• 0-9% say that they use other means (probably mostly by bike) 
• 4-14% work at home
• 0-2% currently use public transit

The public transit options available to you depend on your location and circumstances. The map above gives an overview of public transit providers in the region and their current service areas (click it to enlarge).

City of Durango 
There are a number of bus and trolley routes that reach most of the commercial  and residential sections of the city. There is also on-demand transit service available for those unable to use the buses and those looking for a safe and convenient way home late night on the weekends. For more details, contact Durango Transit Dispatch at 970-259-5438.


Archuleta and Montezuma Counties
There is also transit service available to the general public which can pick-up and drop-off passengers where they need to go. (In Archuleta, contact Mountain Express at 264-2250; in Montezuma County, contact MoCo Public Transportation at 970-564-2273.)

Tribal Reservations

Road Runner Transit provides both fixed route and on–demand service in Ignacio, around the Southern Ute Reservation and between Ignacio and Bayfield, Durango and Aztec, New Mexico (Call 970-563-4545). The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal government also provides several forms of targeted transit service.

Other

Most of the counties provide transit services to the elderly and disabled either directly or with the assistance of community non-profit organizations. There are also a range of private providers of transit services.

While all these transit options are important and helpful to have, it must be acknowledged that there is still a high degree of unmet needs. Two transit studies have estimated that 84-95%  of the needs of those requiring transportation assistance in Southwest Colorado go unmet. Many live in communities with limited or no public transit options. Even within areas with transit services, their service areas and schedules do not fully meet the needs of everyone. Many would also like a reliable and affordable alternative means to travel between cities within the region for work, medical services, shopping and other reasons or to get in and out of the region.

To address more of the unmet needs, the region can do several things, including striving to improve program efficiencies and exploring greater coordination. The Southwest Colorado Regional Transit Coordinating Council is an association of local organizations that has been  meeting since the fall of 2010 to try to identify ways to improve the number and the accessibility of transit options to citizens in the region. The work of the Council is supported by the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments and CDOT.

Among the items on the Council action plan is a comprehensive guide to existing regional transit options which will be published at the Council of Governments website in the near future (you can also get information about upcoming Transit Council meetings or read minutes of past meetings there).

One exciting recent initiative is an effort to restore bus service between Durango and Grand Junction, replacing the Greyhound bus service which was discontinued in the fall of 2011. The staff at Road Runner Transit has put in a grant proposal with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) that, if funded, would re-start this service in spring 2013. A decision on the grant request is expected later this summer or fall. It is proposed that this service would run one round-trip daily from Durango to Cortez then north thru Montrose and on to Grand Junction 7 days a week. At Grand Junction riders would be able to connect with Greyhound Service to Denver, Salt Lake City and beyond.

Another current opportunity, if you live and work in Durango, is to receive custom-tailored travel training about available transit options for yourself and your co-workers or employees or your community group at your site thru a new program organized by Durango Transit.  You can contact Deven Meininger at meiningerdm@ci.durango.co.us or call  970-375-4901 to explore the possibility of such a presentation being made to your group.

Communications have also begun with veterans support organizations to try to improve transit options for both veterans and the general community. One idea being researched is the possibility of established some form of coordinated point of contact for receiving information about available transit services. Several other communities in Colorado are establishing what is called a “one call / one click center” with state and federal funding. The Council is in touch with those community organizations to learn what they are doing and we may have an opportunity to pursue similar grant funding of such a communications center in the future if there is sufficient support among the region’s transit providers and local governments.

You can reach out to your local government and transit providers for more transit information and, if you desire, to make your voice heard in favor of improved transit services options for yourself, your family and your  community. Strong public input about and support for targeted transit solutions could help improve personal mobility, which would improve the quality of life of many and in turn help the economy.

About the Author
John Ehmann is the Special Projects Coordinator with the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments. If you would like to share any of your transit concerns and ideas or get more information about current transit options, please call John Ehmann at 970-247-9621 or send an email.

Progress in 2011

Amazing infographics from our past Intern Lily Oswald!