News
• 01.04.2016 - Xcel reopens the Solar*Rewards Program for 2016
Each month will have 2MW capacity. When the capacity is all reserved for the month, the program will no longer accept applications for that month. January's capacity was all reserved in less than one day! We were able to get in all of our applications in time for January.
Each month will have 2MW capacity. When the capacity is all reserved for the month, the program will no longer accept applications for that month. January's capacity was all reserved in less than one day! We were able to get in all of our applications in time for January.
• 12.18.2015 - ITC Extended!
The 30% federal investment tax credit has been extended through the end of 2019. Then the tax credit will drop to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021 and 10% from then on.
The 30% federal investment tax credit has been extended through the end of 2019. Then the tax credit will drop to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021 and 10% from then on.
• 07.19.2011 - Dairy Tests Energy Payback of Solar
"BOULDER - Aurora Organic Dairy is testing 10 solar hot-water panels at its Platteville dairy processing site, a system expected to have a payback period of less than five years." More >>
"BOULDER - Aurora Organic Dairy is testing 10 solar hot-water panels at its Platteville dairy processing site, a system expected to have a payback period of less than five years." More >>
• 05.19.2011 - Recharge Colorado Program Ending Soon
Funding for this program is rumored to be running out. The rumor states that starting June 1st, all funds in the program will be comingled, with funds going to projects on the waiting list and then funding will go to projects as they are applied for. Funding could run out by July 1st and possibly sooner. If you were interested in receiving these state rebates, now is the time to act to reserve your funding.
Funding for this program is rumored to be running out. The rumor states that starting June 1st, all funds in the program will be comingled, with funds going to projects on the waiting list and then funding will go to projects as they are applied for. Funding could run out by July 1st and possibly sooner. If you were interested in receiving these state rebates, now is the time to act to reserve your funding.
• 05.09.2011 - Buckley Air Force Base Installation Update
The work is getting more fired up on the 60 collector solar hot water system. The cement pad is completed soon and most of the mechanical work has already been completed. Next will be the installation of the 60 collectors on the cement pad, racking, plumbing and piping. The system should be ready for commissioning in early to mid summer.
The work is getting more fired up on the 60 collector solar hot water system. The cement pad is completed soon and most of the mechanical work has already been completed. Next will be the installation of the 60 collectors on the cement pad, racking, plumbing and piping. The system should be ready for commissioning in early to mid summer.
• 03.19.2011 - Xcel Energy agrees to reopen the solar rewards program
Xcel Energy agrees to reopen the solar rewards program starting March 23, 2011 at 8AM. The rebates will drop over time. To find out more go to COSEIA and read their article.
Xcel Energy agrees to reopen the solar rewards program starting March 23, 2011 at 8AM. The rebates will drop over time. To find out more go to COSEIA and read their article.
• 04.09.2010 - Simply Efficient Featured on Lakewood Open for Business
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day following the 40th Anniversary of the city of Lakewood, Lakewood Open for Business has profiled local alternative energy company Simply Efficient Solar & Wind. Click the thumbnail image to the right to watch the piece.
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day following the 40th Anniversary of the city of Lakewood, Lakewood Open for Business has profiled local alternative energy company Simply Efficient Solar & Wind. Click the thumbnail image to the right to watch the piece.• 01.25.2010 - Simply Efficient Will Be At The Colorado Garden & Home Show
Simply Efficient will be at the Spring 2010 Colorado Garden & Home Show from February 13 - 21, 2010 at the Colorado Convention Center. Stop by and see us at Booth #888!
Simply Efficient will be at the Spring 2010 Colorado Garden & Home Show from February 13 - 21, 2010 at the Colorado Convention Center. Stop by and see us at Booth #888!
• 09.12.2009 - Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Application Fee
Xcel Energy Solar Rewards rebate program will begin implementation of an application fee starting Monday, September 21st. Prior to that date, there will be no fees for an application. Applications are good for one year from application date. Contact Simply Efficient to find out how to get your application in today!
Xcel Energy Solar Rewards rebate program will begin implementation of an application fee starting Monday, September 21st. Prior to that date, there will be no fees for an application. Applications are good for one year from application date. Contact Simply Efficient to find out how to get your application in today!
• 08.05.2009 - Xcel Energy Drops Proposed Rate Increase For Solar Customers
In response to widespread public opposition, the Public Service Company of Colorado (a division as Xcel Energy) has dropped its proposed net-meter tariff to solar customers.
The proposal went before the Public Utilities Commission on May 1 and included a new charge that would penalize solar customers, the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) says. CoSEIA, its members, existing and future solar customers, local leaders and partner groups mounted a grassroots campaign against the rate increase.
"I agree with Xcel's recommendation that the issue be addressed through a roundtable workshop-type process," says Beth Hart, executive director of CoSEIA. "We are looking for what is fair and equitable - something all energy consumers can understand, something that will credit the conservationist and not create division."
SOURCE: Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association
Story From: SolarIndustryMag.com
In response to widespread public opposition, the Public Service Company of Colorado (a division as Xcel Energy) has dropped its proposed net-meter tariff to solar customers.
The proposal went before the Public Utilities Commission on May 1 and included a new charge that would penalize solar customers, the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) says. CoSEIA, its members, existing and future solar customers, local leaders and partner groups mounted a grassroots campaign against the rate increase.
"I agree with Xcel's recommendation that the issue be addressed through a roundtable workshop-type process," says Beth Hart, executive director of CoSEIA. "We are looking for what is fair and equitable - something all energy consumers can understand, something that will credit the conservationist and not create division."
SOURCE: Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association
Story From: SolarIndustryMag.com
• 07.24.2009 - Simply Efficient Expert Presents at 2009 DOE National Weatherization Training Conference
Simply Efficient Weatherization Expert Joe Hall presented his method for fashioning a drill shroud at the 2009 Department of Energy Weatherization Training Conference from July 20th to the 23rd. View his presentation.
Simply Efficient Weatherization Expert Joe Hall presented his method for fashioning a drill shroud at the 2009 Department of Energy Weatherization Training Conference from July 20th to the 23rd. View his presentation.
• 07.08.2009 - SE President Discusses the Solar Industry on Denver's 7NEWS
Simply Efficient President Daimon Vilppu was interviewed on the state of the solar industry during a July 7th news broadcast on Denver's 7NEWS. Watch the video.
Simply Efficient President Daimon Vilppu was interviewed on the state of the solar industry during a July 7th news broadcast on Denver's 7NEWS. Watch the video.
• 03.01.2009 - Simply Efficient Hires Energy Director
Simply Efficient had hired Joe Hall as its Energy Director to spearhead their Weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Mr. Hall started in Weatherization in 1993 as a Field Technician in Denver, Colorado. He has held the positions of auditor, furnace technician, supervisor, and trainer. Joe has coordinated Energy Education for the E$P Training Center and produced training videos at the E$P/Sun Power, Inc. Studios. He was responsible for the invention and implementation of the Drill Shroud to protect clients and workers from the hazards of dust during wall insulation. Currently, Joe is developing an energy conservation component for the renewable energy company Simply Efficient, LLC Solar and Wind. He continues to educate technicians on the concepts of whole-house weatherization in the private and non-profit sectors. Joe is still committed getting the Weatherization message across in a clear and concise manner to clients, technicians, politicians, and administrators. Ever changing, he is getting educated himself on the topics of Passive solar design, Solar Thermal, Solar PV, and Geothermal installation.
Simply Efficient had hired Joe Hall as its Energy Director to spearhead their Weatherization and energy efficiency programs. Mr. Hall started in Weatherization in 1993 as a Field Technician in Denver, Colorado. He has held the positions of auditor, furnace technician, supervisor, and trainer. Joe has coordinated Energy Education for the E$P Training Center and produced training videos at the E$P/Sun Power, Inc. Studios. He was responsible for the invention and implementation of the Drill Shroud to protect clients and workers from the hazards of dust during wall insulation. Currently, Joe is developing an energy conservation component for the renewable energy company Simply Efficient, LLC Solar and Wind. He continues to educate technicians on the concepts of whole-house weatherization in the private and non-profit sectors. Joe is still committed getting the Weatherization message across in a clear and concise manner to clients, technicians, politicians, and administrators. Ever changing, he is getting educated himself on the topics of Passive solar design, Solar Thermal, Solar PV, and Geothermal installation.
• 12.09.2008 - Xcel Energy Requests 8.39% Rate Increase
"On November 14th, we filed a rate case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to change the cost of the electricity we provide to you. While the total increase we're seeking is $174.7 million, the average increase for residential customers using 625 kWh of electricity a month is approximately 17 cents per day or $5.13 a month (an 8.39% increase). Even at ths amount we know that budgets are already stretched in this tough economy so we're asking only for what's needed to ensure reiliable service to you." - Xcel flyer, November 25, 2008.
The average commercial account will see an 8.00% increase, according to the release by Xcel.
"On November 14th, we filed a rate case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to change the cost of the electricity we provide to you. While the total increase we're seeking is $174.7 million, the average increase for residential customers using 625 kWh of electricity a month is approximately 17 cents per day or $5.13 a month (an 8.39% increase). Even at ths amount we know that budgets are already stretched in this tough economy so we're asking only for what's needed to ensure reiliable service to you." - Xcel flyer, November 25, 2008.
The average commercial account will see an 8.00% increase, according to the release by Xcel.
• 10.22.2008 - Simply Efficient President NABCEP Certified
Daimon Vilppu, President of Simply Efficient has become one of the few NABCEP certified thermal installers in Colorado. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practictioners (NABCEP, www.nabcep.org) awards professional certification to qualified solar electric and solar thermal installers that have met their prerequisites and passed their exam.
Daimon Vilppu, President of Simply Efficient has become one of the few NABCEP certified thermal installers in Colorado. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practictioners (NABCEP, www.nabcep.org) awards professional certification to qualified solar electric and solar thermal installers that have met their prerequisites and passed their exam.
• 10.16.2008 - Simply Efficient CEO Featured in Granby Newspaper
Simply Efficient and its CEO, Charley Adams, were featured in the Sky-Hi Daily News of Granby, Colorado for Charley's installation of a wind turbine on his property. It was the first wind turbine erected in Grand County in roughly 30 years.
Read the article: Turbine a step toward energy independence
Simply Efficient and its CEO, Charley Adams, were featured in the Sky-Hi Daily News of Granby, Colorado for Charley's installation of a wind turbine on his property. It was the first wind turbine erected in Grand County in roughly 30 years.
Read the article: Turbine a step toward energy independence
• 10.03.2008 - Washington, DC, USA: House Passes Bailout Bill, Including 8 Year Solar Tax Credit Extension
Today, by a vote of 263-171, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years.
This landmark legislation is part of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar industry. President Bush has indicated that he will sign the bill into law.
The solar tax credit provisions will:
Further details: Solar Energy Industries Association
Today, by a vote of 263-171, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years.
This landmark legislation is part of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar industry. President Bush has indicated that he will sign the bill into law.
The solar tax credit provisions will:
- Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations;
- Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent credit;
- Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit;
- Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and families, to take the credit; and
- Authorize $800 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar.
Further details: Solar Energy Industries Association
• 10.03.2008 - Federal Small Turbine Tax Credit Ready for President's Signature
Today Congress passed legislation, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424, that includes a new federal-level investment tax credit to help consumers purchase small wind turbines for home, farm, or business use. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law. Owners of small wind systems with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity and less can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. The credit will be available for equipment installed from the date the president signs the bill through December 31, 2016. For turbines used for homes, the credit is additionally limited to the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.
"We thank Congress for recognizing and supporting small wind systems as an important contributor toward energy security and a cleaner environment. This credit will help individuals cut their electric bills while combating global warming in a tangible way," says Ron Stimmel, Small-Wind Advocate with the American Wind Energy Association.
This legislation marks the first federal incentive for small wind systems since 1985. Industry members say the credit could foster U.S. market growth of 40% or more annually.
AWEA, its members, and allies have advocated for a 30% federal investment tax credit for small wind systems 100 kW and smaller to put the industry on equal policy footing with the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. The two technologies share the same market. The broad legislation passed today also extends and expands a similar credit for the solar industry that was first passed in 2005. Residential and commercial solar PV installations can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential applications and uncapped for commercial uses.
The U.S. has historically dominated the global small-wind market but has faced pressure in recent years from overseas nations that have implemented strong domestic incentive programs for small-scale renewables. The U.S. small wind industry projects that the enactment of this federal credit, combined with a forthcoming equipment certification program, will help secure the U.S. market as the global leader.
Today Congress passed legislation, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424, that includes a new federal-level investment tax credit to help consumers purchase small wind turbines for home, farm, or business use. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law. Owners of small wind systems with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity and less can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. The credit will be available for equipment installed from the date the president signs the bill through December 31, 2016. For turbines used for homes, the credit is additionally limited to the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.
"We thank Congress for recognizing and supporting small wind systems as an important contributor toward energy security and a cleaner environment. This credit will help individuals cut their electric bills while combating global warming in a tangible way," says Ron Stimmel, Small-Wind Advocate with the American Wind Energy Association.
This legislation marks the first federal incentive for small wind systems since 1985. Industry members say the credit could foster U.S. market growth of 40% or more annually.
AWEA, its members, and allies have advocated for a 30% federal investment tax credit for small wind systems 100 kW and smaller to put the industry on equal policy footing with the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. The two technologies share the same market. The broad legislation passed today also extends and expands a similar credit for the solar industry that was first passed in 2005. Residential and commercial solar PV installations can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000 for residential applications and uncapped for commercial uses.
The U.S. has historically dominated the global small-wind market but has faced pressure in recent years from overseas nations that have implemented strong domestic incentive programs for small-scale renewables. The U.S. small wind industry projects that the enactment of this federal credit, combined with a forthcoming equipment certification program, will help secure the U.S. market as the global leader.
• 10.02.2008 - Benefits of heating your Colorado home with wind
For more information on heating your Colorado home with wind, check out this paper by Paul Steffes.
For more information on heating your Colorado home with wind, check out this paper by Paul Steffes.
• 05.05.2008 - City Waives Fees for Residents to Go Solar - Contributed by: Kelli Narde on 5/5/2008
Effective May 1, 2008, the City of Littleton became the first city in Colorado known to waive all city building permit fees for the installation of solar hot water and photovoltaic (PV) systems for existing residential structures.
The city council amended the city code to encourage Littleton residents to install energy saving systems in their homes. Over the last 12 months, Littleton issued approximately ten permits for solar installations. The revenue collected on these permits was approximately $6,500. Waiving the permit fees won't cause a significant impact to the city budget but it is hoped will inspire homeowners to take advantage of the significant energy and cost savings associated with solar systems.
According to the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), solar heated domestic water is one of the most effective ways to incorporate renewable energy into a home. Up to 15 percent of the annual energy consumed is used for domestic water heating. By using solar energy to heat domestic water, homeowners can significantly reduce their water heating costs while also mitigating the consumption of fossil fuels.
Solar electric grid tied PV systems allow the owner to send excess energy back into the grid, mitigating the susceptibility to fluctuations in the price of electricity. Distributed solar electric systems also decrease the demand for electricity generated from fossil fuels plants, which leads to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Substantial rebates of up to $12,000 for solar electric systems and up to $3,000 for solar domestic hot water systems are available from the GEO's Residential Solar Program. Visit www.colorado.gov/energy/renewables/ResidentialSolarProgram.asp or call Chief Building Official Jim Thelen at 303-795-3784.
Effective May 1, 2008, the City of Littleton became the first city in Colorado known to waive all city building permit fees for the installation of solar hot water and photovoltaic (PV) systems for existing residential structures.
The city council amended the city code to encourage Littleton residents to install energy saving systems in their homes. Over the last 12 months, Littleton issued approximately ten permits for solar installations. The revenue collected on these permits was approximately $6,500. Waiving the permit fees won't cause a significant impact to the city budget but it is hoped will inspire homeowners to take advantage of the significant energy and cost savings associated with solar systems.
According to the Governor's Energy Office (GEO), solar heated domestic water is one of the most effective ways to incorporate renewable energy into a home. Up to 15 percent of the annual energy consumed is used for domestic water heating. By using solar energy to heat domestic water, homeowners can significantly reduce their water heating costs while also mitigating the consumption of fossil fuels.
Solar electric grid tied PV systems allow the owner to send excess energy back into the grid, mitigating the susceptibility to fluctuations in the price of electricity. Distributed solar electric systems also decrease the demand for electricity generated from fossil fuels plants, which leads to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Substantial rebates of up to $12,000 for solar electric systems and up to $3,000 for solar domestic hot water systems are available from the GEO's Residential Solar Program. Visit www.colorado.gov/energy/renewables/ResidentialSolarProgram.asp or call Chief Building Official Jim Thelen at 303-795-3784.
• 04.04.2008 - $4,000 per solar system in new Colorado State rebates are now available! - The state is offering up to $2000 for Solar thermal and Electric systems. The rebates could be matched by your energy providers and even non-profit organizations. Which means you could receive up to $4,000 in rebates for either systems. United Power has already jumped on board. Check with your energy provider or locan energy non-profit to see if they are offering the rebate. If they aren't, ask them why.
• 04.01.2008 - U.S. Department of Energy Implements Criteria for ENERGY STARŪ Water Heaters - "The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced new ENERGY STARŪ criteria for water heaters, the first in the history of the program. According to DOE projections, by the end of the fifth year in effect, the new water heater criteria are expected to save Americans approximately $780 million in utility costs, avoid 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and achieve cumulative energy savings of more than 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours and 270 million therms of natural gas." Read more here.
• 01.24.2008 - Brand New Simply Efficient Office - We've opened a brand new office in Lakewood! Come visit us at 7717 W. 6th Ave.
• 01.06.2008 - Colorado Report States That It Could Be A Clean Energy Hub - "Colorado has the potential to be a huge exporter of renewable energy, according to a new resource report compiled by Colorado energy officials. But the clean-energy potential and its economic benefits carry a major caveat: whether billions of dollars can be raised to build the power facilities and the transmission lines needed to transport the energy. The report from the Governor's Energy Office calculates that Colorado has vast resources of wind and sun -- enough, theoretically, to generate more than 10 times the power that the state uses on its highest-demand days." Read more here.
• 11.06.2007 - Colorado's Climate Action Plan - "This Colorado Climate Action Plan is a call to action. It sets out measures that we in our state can adopt to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 20 percent by 2020, and makes a shared commitment with other states and nations to even deeper emissions cuts by 2050. Why is this important? For Colorado, global warming will mean warmer summers and less winter snowpack. The ski season will be weeks shorter. Forest fires will be more common and more intense. Water quality could decline, and the demand for both agricultural and municipal water will increase even as water supplies dwindle." Read more here.
• 10.24.2007 - Mayor Backs 'Green' Plan for Denver - "Mayor John Hickenlooper today formally adopted Denver's Climate Action Plan, a series of steps intended to reduce the city's per capita greenhouse emissions 10 percent by 2012." Read the full article at the Denver Post.
• 05.08.2007 - Simply Efficient has launched its new web site. We hope you enjoy it!
• 04.01.2007 - Governor
Ritter has renamed OEMC the "Governor's Energy Office". Please be patient
as they improve their website to 'Advance Colorado to a New Energy Economy'.
Click here to learn
more.
© Simply Efficient
Site by Maniac Monkey Media
Site by Maniac Monkey Media
