“New Mexico has some of the best solar resources in the nation,” said Ben Jaime, Xcel Energy’s manager for community and economic development, in a news release. “Yet the general public is still learning about solar technology and how it can benefit our economy. These installations will provide valuable information to Xcel Energy and our communities as we develop the region’s renewable energy economy.”

The solar panels at Leyva were installed in the courtyard near the shop building where students can see them in operation every day. Xcel is also providing curriculum material and the school is teaching classes on solar energy, a subject matter that could spark an interest in the students towards professions as technicians or commercial solar installers, two positions that are expected to be in high demand in their future. Xcel and the teachers at Leysa are also hoping to convey an understanding of energy consumption and production.

Xcel Energy has been one of the driving forces in solar development in the central and western regions of the United States. They offer a program called “Solar Rewards” which is designed to encourage the installation of residential or commercial solar panels that can generate electricity. Xcel rewards these home or business owners with renewable energy certificates that they buy back for whatever the going market rate is.

In New Mexico alone this year, Xcel Energy is expecting to add fifty megawatts of solar energy from five new photovoltaic facilities in Lea and Eddy counties. Those arrays are being built by SunEdison, who has entered into a long term power purchase contract with Xcel Energy.

Across the country in South Florida, the story is a bit different. The National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples unveiled a ten kilowatt, forty five panel solar array that was donated to them by a California solar company. The array, worth roughly $25,000, was given to the Audubon Society as a token of appreciation for all of the work they have done with the Gulf Oil Spill and its fall-out.

“The solar panels will reduce the Blair Center’s carbon footprint and allow Corkscrew to redirect funds to help further its mission,” said Ed Carlson, director of the 13,000-acre sanctuary, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. “We’ll save money on utility bills that we’ll be able to put into conservation programming.”

The idea came about when a commercial solar installer from California approached the Audubon Society to make a donation for their work in the Gulf. David Yarnold, president and CEO of the Audubon Society, came up with the idea of solar panels instead of cash. “We wanted to do something to plant the seed for the future that demonstrates the importance of renewable energy,” Yarnold said. “Using renewable energy will decrease the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, which, in turn, will reduce drilling and the likelihood of future oil spills.”

Solar companies last year installed about 4.4 million utility, residential and commercial solar panels on structures across the country. This year, that number is expected to increase to 7.1 million. Fossil fuels are one of the number one causes of environmental problems that affect the wildlife the Audubon Society is trying to protect, making the choice of a wildlife preserve a logical place for a solar array and Audubon itself a powerful partner in the push for more renewable energy.

Bella Energy’s very own Jim Welch and Ron Barness have made their way into the Utah press coverage of the new Salt Palace Project. If built today the Salt Palace Convention Center system would be the largest rooftop solar array in the United States.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Read more at : The Salt Lake Tribune

Listen to NPR’s coverage by clicking here!

Boulder, Colorado. Sept. 1, 2010 – Salt Lake County has chosen NexGen Energy and Bella Energy to develop a solar installation on the roof of the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City.

The team presented a plan to install up to 2.6 megawatts of solar modules on the structure. If built to that capacity, the Salt Palace will host the largest rooftop solar facility in the United States, generating more than 3,330,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year while reducing the building’s consumption by 25%.

NexGen Energy and Bella Energy team won a competitive RFP process that took four months and began with twelve applicants. The County informed NexGen Energy of its decision late last week. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

NexGen Energy, a leading owner and operator of distributed renewable energy systems, will own and operate the facility and sell the power to Salt Lake County at a fixed rate. Bella Energy, a highly respected solar electric systems integrator based in Colorado, will design and install the project.

“Today the Salt Palace is setting a national example for renewable energy,” said Ted Rose, Vice President of NexGen Energy. “With a ground-breaking public-private partnership driving it, this project will place Utah at the forefront of solar development. It proves once again that large rooftops can successfully provide power from the sun that benefits both the environment and the bottom line.”

“Bella Energy has worked diligently to make the project a reality,” said Andrew McKenna, Vice President of Bella Energy. “Our three decades of experience in solar installation will serve Salt Lake County well. Bella Energy is committed to growing Utah’s distributed solar generation and will employ as many as 35 local workers and subcontractors during the construction of this project.”

NexGen Energy will sell the energy generated by the solar panels at a predictable rate for 20 years. The final contract will include an option for the county to purchase the system in the eighth year. NexGen Energy has retained the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the project.

Transcript for Ask a Solar Expert: The Solar Installation Process

Hi, my name is Aaron Hesterman and I am a Technical Sales Specialist for Bella Energy. Today I’m going to talk about the process of installing solar on your home. Now I can’t speak for every solar company but the overall process of installing solar with Bella Energy starts with a free solar consultation. During which we assess your solar potential and locate any shading concerns that could affect your production. After you’ve received your project bid and signed a service agreement, our NABCEP certified system auditor will remeasure your roof and finalize your system layout. Next, your system’s construction plans are assembled by a second NABCEP certified designer, providing an extra level of solar construction expertise. During this time, our team will collect any necessary permits for your jurisdiction and work with you to file all the necessary Xcel Energy rebate paperwork. After your panels, racking and inverters arrive, your project will be scheduled and the actual installation usually only takes place in a couple of days. To ensure consistent quality…all of our installations are performed by Bella Energy solar installers, who on average have about a megawatt of solar energy installation experience. In short Bella Energy has solar energy experts to help you along every step of the way to ensure that you are getting the best system possible from a team you can trust.