2008

Instead of gearing toward a specific subculture, we hope to create an Earth Day Event that welcomes the general community at large:

• Those people wishing to learn more about green services and products, as well as locally made goods, are encouraged to attend.
  
• Those businesses or local artisans wishing to educate the community about green products and services or locally made products are asked to contact us reserve a booth space.
  
• Any musicians willing to perform, please contact us for details.

Our marketing will include the Daily Sentinel, the Free Press, local TV news stations, KAFM (we have already done one interview on Jan 29th announcing the event), and posters displayed at more than two dozen local businesses and community buildings.

This Earth Day we would like to create an event that helps educate the members of our community more about the choice for local, sustainable products and services, something that is growing daily in demand.

Earth Day Event

WHEN

• April 19th 2008, Saturday, 11am- 5pm

WHERE

• Mesa County Fairgrounds

HOW

• Booth space is $5 and one 8’ table and 2 chairs will be provided, bring your own easy-up.

CONTACT

High Noon Solar: E-mail or call (970) 241-0209 to reserve a booth space.

High Noon Solar and Blue Moon Electric have teamed up to donate a 9.02 KW solar electric system to the Western Colorado Center for the Arts.  The free system will include 44 Evergreen 205 solar panels and will produce 13,373 KW hours annually.  Installation will begin the week of December 8th, followed by a January 9th press release and reception at the Center to celebrate the Art Center going solar.  High Noon Solar, Blue Moon Electric, and The Art Center are excited about this collaborative effort to supply one of our community’s best assets with free, “green” power.

In October 2008 Xcel Energy lowered its rebate for customers who install grid-connected PV solar systems at their residences and businesses.  The rebate shrunk from $4.50/watt to $3.50/watt.  This change became effective at the end of October and was most likely in response to the substantial increase in Federal Tax Credit incentives implemented with the recent government “bailout” package passed on October 3, 2008.  However, any customer who submitted a rebate application prior to this change will receive the original rebate of $4.50/KW.  Despite the reduction the rebate still covers a large portion of the installation cost for Xcel customers; about 40% of the total system cost.  For more on Xcel’s rebate program go to their Solar*Rewards Program webpage. 

On October 3, 2008 the Energy Improvement and Extension Act 2008 was enacted, extending federal tax credit incentives for residential and business PV solar installations for another eight years until the end of the year 2016.  This act also removed the $2,000.00 cap for residential solar electric systems and beginning on January 1, 2009 residents who install PV solar systems will be eligible for tax credits of 30% of the total system cost just like their commercial counterparts.  For more on these exciting federal incentives check out the four page Q&A about the tax credits prepared by Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA).

In March 2008 High Noon Solar donated a solar electric grid-tie system to KAFM 88.1 Community Radio. 

The installation coincided with KAFM’s Spring fund-drive allowing community members to stop by and witness the process.  The solar array provides enough energy to power KAFM’s broadcast studio and the many Radio Room concerts and events. 

Ryan Stringfellow, KAFM's Executive Director, praised the milestone stating, "We are so excited to be able to take this initial step in creating a more environmentally friendly Community Station, and especially proud to be able to partner with another great local company," adding, "We would not have been able to do this were it not for the creative and generous terms that High Noon Solar was able to offer us as a non-profit organization." 

Read more about solar-powered community radio on KAFM’s website.