Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Providers Join Forces
Clean Energy Collective gives the San Miguel Power Partners an opportunity to increase their reach to the underserved.
Carbondale, Colo. (October 11, 2012) Energy efficiency services delivered through the San Miguel Power Partners (SMPP) program will be accessible to a greater number of people thanks to a new program announced today by solar garden developer Clean Energy Collective (CEC) and SMPP community partners the Telluride Foundation, iCAST and San Miguel Power Association (SMPA). The cooperative effort will provide funding to energy efficiency programs earmarked for low income individuals or families in west San Miguel or west Montrose counties.
CEC will donate $250, the cost of one energy efficiency audit, to SMPP when the Telluride Foundation, iCAST or SMPA help sell solar panels in the Community Solar Array, a cooperative solar facility located in southwest Colorado.
The one-megawatt community-owned solar project, sited along U.S. Highway 90 in the northeast corner of Paradox Valley, serves all or parts of Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel, Montrose, Mesa, Hinsdale and Dolores counties.
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SMPA customers can purchase solar panels in the community array and get credit for the power directly on their utility bill as if the system were built on their home or business. In addition to cheaper, cleaner power, those who also support the SMPP energy efficiency program will also help area residents improve their energy efficiency and lower their costs.
The idea for the program came when Telluride Foundation president Paul Major considered how two distinct environmental markets-energy efficiency/retrofit services and SMPA’s community-owned solar garden program could work together toward a common goal. “This is a win-win for the residents of the region.” said Major. “Combining the new renewable source through the solar array and the energy efficiency retrofit program make more programs available and accessible to more individuals and families.”
The program is off to a bright start. According to CEC chief operating officer Thomas Sweeney, customers must purchase a minimum of 16 solar panels, which is still well below the average system size. “We have had a number of Foundation donors approach us to voice their support for the program and to signal their interest in providing energy efficiency audits for other members of the community,” Sweeney added.
“This is another example of how the renewable energy and energy efficiency communities can work together for the benefit of the people they serve,” said iCAST founder and president Ravi Malhotra. “CEC will help iCAST serve a segment of the SMPA membership base who would not have been able to fully participate in the SMPP Energy Efficiency program – even though they can benefit from these services the most.”
In addition to the SMPA Community Array, CEC has partnered with six other utilities and has 14 shared solar projects operating or under construction, representing more than 5,300 kW of community-sited solar PV.
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About Clean Energy Collective (CEC)
Colorado-based Clean Energy Collective is a developer of community-based renewable energy facilities and a national leader in community power generation. CEC pioneered the model of delivering clean power-generation through large-scale facilities that are collectively owned by participating utility customers. The CEC’s proprietary RemoteMeter® system automatically calculates monthly credits and integrates with existing utility billing systems, enabling all utility customers to easily have clean, renewable power credited directly on their monthly utility bills, without modifying their home or office. www.easycleanenergy.com
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About iCAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology)
iCAST’s mission is to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to communities in a manner that builds local capacity. iCAST services range from home energy reviews and retrofitting houses to conducting full-scale commercial energy audits for businesses. iCAST also provides energy efficiency education to children, families, and underserved communities in an effort to further build awareness for all on the ways that we can reduce energy consumption together. www.icastusa.org |
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About the Telluride Foundation
The Telluride Foundation exists to create a stronger Telluride community through the promotion and support of philanthropy. It is a nonprofit, apolitical community foundation that provides year-round support for local organizations involved in arts, education, athletics, charitable causes, land conservation and other community-based efforts through technical assistance, education and grant making. As a grant maker, the Foundation awards grants to qualified applicants that serve the people living and working in the Telluride area for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life within the region. For more information on the Telluride Foundation, visit www.telluridefoundation.org. |
About the SMPA Community Solar Farm
The Clean Energy Collective is administering the community solar program for SMPA. SMPA members are eligible to buy into the SMPA Community Solar array by purchasing solar panels. SMPA will directly credit the member’s monthly electric bill for the power their panel produces in the community array. Each solar panel is 235 watts, costs $705 and will generate around $45 worth of electricity per year.
CEC is currently taking reservations and working with members to determine what will fit their budgets and energy use. CEC also offers flexible, low-cost, long-term financing for qualified members through its partner Sooper Credit Union and its Clean Energy Loan program.
Community-owned solar projects offer many advantages over traditional private installations. Currently, members who are interested in solar generation must install panels on their individual homes or businesses. This limits the participation of renters and members with poor solar locations. In contrast, community projects are located on ideal sites with excellent sun exposure. CEC will own, operate and maintain SMPA’s Community Solar array, meaning that members who purchase a panel in the array will incur no additional operation or maintenance costs. And it’s more affordable than a traditional private solar installation.
Members interested in learning more or reserving panels should contact CEC directly at www.SMPAsolar.com, 1-888-208-5858 or sales@smpasolar.com.
About San Miguel Power Association (SMPA)
San Miguel Power Association, Inc. is a member-owned, locally-controlled rural electric cooperative with offices in Nucla and Ridgway, Colo. It is the mission of San Miguel Power Association to demonstrate corporate responsibility and community service while providing our members safe, reliable, cost effective and environmentally responsible electrical service. SMPA serves approximately 9,600 members and 14,000 meters and supports local communities with $200,000 annually in property taxes and $400,000 in energy efficiency and renewable energy rebates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
San Miguel Power Association Community Solar
Powered by Clean Energy Collective
Web: www.SMPAsolar.com
Phone: 800.370.5276
Email: sales@smpasolar.com
Clean Energy Collective
Phone: 1-800-646-0323
Email: moreinfo@morecleanenergy.com
Web: www.EasyCleanEnergy.com
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