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Electric utilities

Xcel Energy Seeks Proposals for Commercial Solar Installations in Colorado

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Xcel Energy is requesting proposals for commercial, customer-sited solar installations in Colorado as part of its compliance with the Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard. The company aims to produce 7,000 megawatt-hours per year in new solar projects, with proposals due on January 4. Each project must be rated above 100 kilowatts and less than 2 megawatts in capacity, and bidders are expected to provide the price per solar-on-site renewable energy credit and the number of credits per year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xcel Energy is requesting proposals for commercial, customer-sited solar installations in Colorado, with a total capacity requirement of 7,000 megawatt-hours per year.
  • Proposed projects must be rated above 100 kilowatts and less than 2 megawatts in capacity, with a deadline of January 4 for submission.
  • Bidders must provide the price per solar-on-site renewable energy credit and the number of credits per year.
  • The company is issuing a second request for proposals as required by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
  • Xcel Energy's Vice-President of Marketing, Fred Stoffel, emphasized the company's commitment to meeting Colorado's renewable energy standard, which allows customers to take advantage of federal tax incentives until the end of 2007.
  • Photovoltaic cells convert light into electricity in direct current (DC) before being converted to alternating current (AC) for use at a commercial customer's business.
  • A 2-kilowatt photovoltaic installation can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an amount equal to the emissions produced from a car driven 6,200 miles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Statistics:

  • 7,000 megawatt-hours per year: The total capacity requirement for new solar projects.
  • 100 kilowatts and less: The minimum capacity requirement for proposed projects.
  • Less than 2 megawatts: The maximum capacity requirement for proposed projects.
  • January 4: The deadline for proposal submission.
  • 2007: The year in which federal tax incentives will expire for solar projects.

Sources:

  • The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo. (2006)
  • Xcel Energy (www.xcelenergy.com/solar)
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard
  • Colorado Public Utilities Commission
  • Energy Policy Act of 2005

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