Harness the Power of the Sun

"Anyone thinking about solar should consider joining the co-op. It’s a great way to learn about solar technology, its benefits for the environment and your energy budget, and to connect with others in the community who are also interested in renewable energy."

- Marti Prohaska, Mountain Village Solar Co-op Member, Town Council Member and Green Team Chair

Colorado averages 300 days of sunshine each year - let's use it!

For the second year in a row, the Town of Mountain Village is partnering with Solar United Neighbors (S.U.N.) and the Telluride Mountain Villae Owner's Association on the Town's Solar Energy Incentive Program. The incentive program establishes a solar co-op through which Mountain Village residents can install solar panels on their homes and receive a rebate. Participants can apply for rebates up to $2,500 for free-market properties and up to $5,000 for deed-restricted properties. Additionally, participants can get a rebate from San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) of $0.10 per watt up to $300. Participants decrease their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while realizing cost savings.

To learn more about the Mountain Village Solar Co-op, join us at the Solar Co-op Launch Event on Wednesday, January 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mountain Village Town Hall (located above the Village Market). You'll hear from members of last year's Co-op, SMPA, Town Council Members, and the San Miguel County Commissioner Kris Holstrom. The event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about solar energy, ask questions and connect with community members! A virtual option through Zoom will also be available.

Solar Energy in Context

The Town of Mountain Village has a goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

In 2020, the majority of emissions in Mountain Village came from building electricity use (51%). Residential buildings accounted for 46% of the community’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Per the Climate Action Plan (CAP), a Town priority is to offset community electricity through local renewable energy generation, with a focus on expanding rooftop solar array installations. The Solar Incentive Program draws on the CAP and takes it one step further by providing members with a network to help them understand solar energy, represent their specific needs, and provide support in their advancement of clean energy. This program directly supports Mountain Village’s carbon neutrality goals.

The incentive program supports not only Mountain Village’s carbon-neutral goals, but federal and state goals as well. In 2020, 11.6% of U.S. energy consumption was from renewable energy sources. Solar accounted for 11% of this renewable energy. On September 8, 2021, the White House outlined a plan for solar energy to supply 40% of the country’s electricity by 2035 and 45% by 2040. Furthermore, the State of Colorado has a goal of generating 100% of electricity from renewable energy by 2040. With the federal and state commitments to clean electricity, solar energy is more important and more relevant than ever.

2020/2021 Results

The Solar Energy Incentive Program is creating measurable, positive impacts for our community. The first Mountain Village Solar Co-op was a success in providing community education, engagement, and solar adoption even when faced with the difficulties of outreach during COVID-19. In the 2020/2021 pilot year, the Solar Energy Incentive Program resulted in:

• 68.8 kW of solar capacity installed
• 1,517.3 metric tons of projected lifetime (25-year) CO2e offsets
  • Equivalent to taking 13.2 cars off the road for a year, every year, for 25 years
• $418,068 in projected energy savings over 25 years

Let's keep the momentum going in 2022 and increase our community's renewable energy use!

Interested in Joining the 2022 Co-op?

Sign-up to join the waitlist!