Boulder, CO makes it easier for homeowners and businesses to go solar with rebate program

September 2008

The Achievement

In 2007, the city of Boulder issued enough permits for solar (photovoltaic, or PV) systems to produce 1,148 kW of electricity. The average system for homeowners is 3 to 5 kW. In 2008, the city of Boulder issued permits for 758 kW of solar-generated electricity (as of July).

The Key Step

Boulder’s Solar Rebate Program incentivizes and rewards homeowners and businesses for adopting solar systems.

The Benefits

∙ Using 1148 kW of clean solar power instead of coal-fired electricity greatly reduces emissions, and has the same effect as not driving 279 passenger cars for one year or not burning eight railcars worth of coal.
∙ The rebate program encourages residents to go solar with the help of area businesses, strengthening the local economy.

[Sources: ClimateSmart and City of Boulder website]