The Delta Montrose Community Solar Array, built in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office and Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA), will be exclusively subscribed to low-income qualified families, helping them save money while also providing job training experience and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all.
Applicants Sue and Steve Sidebottom came out to volunteer with GRID over the weekend of June 3rd and 4th. Steve is a disabled Navy veteran and the couple lives on the income they receive from social security. They had always been interested in going solar, so when they found out about GRID’s community solar program, the Sidebottoms immediately called to apply. Thanks to the support of the Colorado Energy Office, DMEA, Alpine Bank, HDR, NREL, Wells Fargo, and community volunteers, area families like the Sidebottoms will save up to 50% on their electric bills every year they are subscribed to the program.
More than 65 volunteers and job trainees came out to help over three days, and the Montrose community joined in to hear about the project's impacts from Director of the Colorado Energy Office Jeff Ackermann, GRID's Executive Director Chuck Watkins, and DMEA's CEO Jason Broneck.
The numbers
- System Size: 151 kW (DC)
- Lifetime Value of Energy: $1,040,000
- Lifetime CO2 Savings: 4,800 tons
- Equivalent of trees planted: 112,000
- Families Served: 35-45
See more photos here: