Gov. Bill Ritter and elected officials announced today that SolarCity has opened for business in Colorado. SolarCity, an innovative solar provider, will locate its Colorado office in Westminster with plans to expand operations in metro Denver area.
"I'm pleased to welcome SolarCity to Colorado's New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "Even in this tough economy, we're continuing to attract new companies and create new jobs while making clean energy more affordable for families and small businesses all across the state. Today's announcement is the direct result of forward-thinking legislation that has established Colorado as a national leader and positioned us for a quick and strong recovery."
In April 2009, Gov. Ritter signed the Renewable Energy Finance Act, Senate Bill 09-051, sponsored by Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy, to increase financial options for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Colorado. SolarCity is the second solar company to announce it will now work in Colorado because of this forward-thinking legislation, bringing dozens of jobs and clean power to Colorado.
"Because of the legislative changes we made last year, solar is now available in affordable monthly payments so that a typical Colorado family can now afford solar and save money on their utility bill. SolarCity's relocation to Colorado demonstrates the real value and economic benefits of green technology," Sen. Carroll said. "Not only are we committing ourselves to environmentally sound practices, we are creating good jobs in Colorado even in the midst of a recession."
"The New Energy Economy continues to be a shining light in Colorado, and I am so pleased that SolarCity has selected Colorado," Rep. Levy said. "Thanks to the Governor's support of legislation like SB 51, which helps homeowners finance renewable energy upgrades for their homes and businesses, more new energy firms are bound to continue coming to Colorado."
"As a result of forward thinking on the part of Gov. Ritter, the Colorado legislature, Xcel Energy and the state's environmentally-minded citizens, Colorado has the potential to become a national leader in solar power adoption per capita," said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. "SolarCity is introducing an option that can allow Colorado homeowners to install solar with no upfront cost and begin saving money immediately. We believe SolarLease will ultimately allow thousands of Colorado homeowners to adopt clean power for less than they previously paid for electricity."
