Xcel Energy is expanding its Colorado solar-electric program by launching a second round of solicitations for solar panels to be built on commercial properties.
The first round in June resulted in approved bids for 22 megawatts of photovoltaic power, enough to serve about 5,000 households.
In the new round, Xcel seeks an additional 4 megawatts of solar power that could be mounted on rooftops of commercial buildings or on vacant commercial ground.
Like a similar program for residential photovoltaic installations, the commercial bidders could qualify for rebates from Xcel and for federal tax credits.
If the solar panels generate more power than is used by the property’s owners, the excess would be sold back to Xcel.
“This (solicitation) demonstrates Xcel Energy’s commitment to meeting Colorado’s renewable-energy standard,” said Fred Stoffel, Xcel’s vice president of marketing.
Staff writer Steve Raabe can be reached at 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com.
