Demand High for Xcel's Solar Garden Program in Colorado

The appetite is huge for solar gardens in Colorado! Xcel's solar garden program has received a slew of applications to build solar arrays up to 500 kilowatts. What is a solar garden? The Solar Gardens website gives a great definition: "a solar garden is a community shared solar array with grid-connected subscribers. Homes and businesses, even if shaded by trees, receive a bill credit as if the panels were on their own roof using 'virtual net metering'." Another thing that's cool about a solar garden is that people that don't own their property can acquire clean, green power from the sun. This includes renters and folks who live in home owners associations (HOAs) that don't allow solar modules on the roofs. The solar gardens program was a result of the 2010 Colorado Community Solar Garden Act. Kudos to Xcel and the people of Colorado for realizing the importance of renewable energy.

5 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy Projects Fast-Tracked by Obama Admin

More good news from the Obama Administration. In addition to the solar energy zones that the Department of Interior designated at the end of July, the Obama Admin just fast-tracked seven wind and solar projects in four western states. This is all part of the We Can't Wait Initiative the Obama Admin created in response to Congress's inability to pass legislation that will move the country forward. It was also announced today that the Pentagon has open up its land, typically used for testing and training, for renewable energy projects. It's been a great day for the renewable energy industry. How's your day going?