With the efficiency and costs of Solar Energy cells leveling
out and the limited availability of local rebates and federal
tax credits, we believe that now is the best time to take
advantage of Solar Energy in Colorado.
Solar Modules:
The price of solar modules has leveled out over the last decade
as the technology has truly matured. In fact, due to shortages
in waste silicon (the essential material used to make Solar
Cells) many sources predict a increase in prices in the near
future.
The Efficiency of Solar Modules:
The Efficiency of Solar Modules has leveled
out as well. Notice that there have not been any improvements
in efficiency
for available Solar Cells since 2000. Although research
continues on other exciting Solar Cell technologies - those
won't be available commercially for many years. The cells
available to the public and that qualify for a rebate,
shown in the graph, have essentially reached a peak.
California Example
We see further evidence of leveling cost of Solar
Energy in California. The number of installations continued to
grow rapidly in California through 2005. However, the customer
cost bottomed out around 2002 when the rebates were still
high and the number of systems still rising. We see this
happening in Colorado already, which is understandable
given
our vast similarities to California's population trends,
household income, housing rates, and local rebates.
Colorado has a limited
amount in which to give rebates:
And they can lower the rebate
at any time. The federal rebate
is currently only good though the end of 2008. Right
now the local and federal government is rewarding those who
want to spark the expansion of renewable energy to the
tune of
50-70%.
Why not take advantage of these rewards and help the energy
situation in our Country and our World?
