Colorado ranks 19th so far this year in solar added

Environment Colorado

DENVER – A new analysis released today by SEIA/GTM Research shows Colorado ranks 19th for solar installations in the first quarter of 2017. Nationally, solar accounted for 30 percent of new energy capacity in that time.

The report comes as states and cities step up to combat global warming in the wake of President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Colorado’s first quarter ranking is eight slots lower than its 11th place ranking for annual solar installations in 2016. 

Today, the U.S. has nearly 15 times more solar energy capacity installed than in 2010, with enough solar to power the equivalent of over 8.7 million homes and reduce 55 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. 

The data comes from the quarterly U.S. Solar Market Insight Report by SEIA/GTM Research.

Environment Colorado director Garrett Garner-Wells released the following statement in reaction to today’s report: 

“The data released today is clear: solar power continues to boom across America. 

“If our state and local leaders step up their commitments to solar power, Colorado’s environment and our health will benefit from cleaner air, water and a safer climate.

“These figures also show that even while President Trump withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement and rolls back American commitments to act on climate change, state and local governments stand ready to ramp up renewable energy at record speed.

“In order to reach 100 percent renewable energy, we can and must continue the wave of solar adoption currently underway in our communities.

“We urge Colorado’s leaders to stand with us for a clean, bright solar future.”

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Environment Colorado is a statewide, citizen-based advocacy organization working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.