Boulder County solar project to offset 6 percent of traditional power (CO)

[jpak]

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/dec/12/boulder-county-solar-project-offset-6-percent-trad/

The company installing solar-electric systems on eight Boulder County buildings says the estimated $1.5 million project will be capable of producing 869,100 kW hours of electricity per year -- enough power to offset 6 percent of Boulder County's current electricity demand.

Bella Energy said in a news release this week that the solar systems being installed for Boulder County will be part of the largest municipal solar-electric project in the Rocky Mountain area. The project is part of Boulder County's Sustainable Energy Plan to reduce the county's impact on global climate change and to reduce costs by increasing energy efficiency.

Because Boulder County is not eligible to receive federal incentives for renewable energy systems, a third-party partner will own the solar systems and collect the federal incentives, credits and deductions for the installation. The company will also sell the power to the county, under a unique financial partnership.

After seven years, the county can buy the systems at a fair-market value. Boulder County Commissioners have set aside $1.5 million for the purchase.

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[Nederland]

1. Clarification

The 6% number refers to 6% of the county government's electricity consumption, not the county as a whole.