Date: 04/12/2006
Final
Solar Energy Production
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON -- SELECT -- STRATEGIC RENEWABLE ENERGY
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02:55 PM - Economic Issues Associated with Solar Energy Production
Jim Welch, Sun Electric System, identified the factors driving the rapid growth in solar energy production. These factors include high fossil fuel prices and Amendment 37 requirements concerning renewable energy that was approved by Colorado voters in 2004. Amendment 37 requires that a portion of the electricity generated by affected utilities be generated from solar resources. Private investors are also more interested in investing in solar technologies. Mr. Welch explained that the permitting process for solar facilities is cumbersome and should be streamlined to encourage solar energy production.
03:06 PM
Mark Mehos, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, described energy production from concentrated solar power. This method concentrates the sun's energy on to a receiver, which absorbs the heat to and transfer it to a fluid. The heated fluid is then used to power a turbine. He explained that a large concentrated solar power facility is being constructed in the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Due to its high altitude and dry climate the San Luis Valley is one of Colorado's best locations for solar power generation facilities. He compared the cost of generating electricity from coal, natural gas, and solar power and identified barriers to building concentrated solar power facilities including start-up costs. Mr. Mehos recommended that the investment tax credit for solar facilities be extended and that such facilities be exempt from state sales tax and local property taxes.