The priority
Make it easier for homeowners to go solar – with solar panels – by giving them the choice to add solar panels to their homes at cost during construction.
Why this is vital now
Coloradans want to decrease their personal carbon footprints. If home builders offer solar installations as an option on their home plans, many Coloradans will invest in them. This will decrease harmful emissions, save homebuyers money in the long term, and help bring solar power into the mainstream for consumers.
Proposed Legislation
House Bill 1107 – Home Owners Association Limits On Energy Efficiency Measures – Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Defeated – Environment LOSS
This bill stops Home Owner Associations from banning energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations for member homes. Sponsored by Representative Kerr and Senator Gibbs. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1126 – Encourage Solar Thermal Installations - Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
This bill allows local governments to grant the same incentives to homeowners installing solar thermal systems as those received for solar electric systems. Sponsored by Representative Hullinghorst and Senator Shaffer. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1149 – Solar Home Prewire And Consultation – Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environment WIN
This measure requires homebuilders to offer the option of having a new home prewired for a solar installation and list of local solar installers who can assess the homes solar energy potential. Sponsored by Representative Merrifield and Senator Carroll. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1247 – Homebuyers’ Energy Right-To-Know Act – Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Defeated – Environment LOSS
This measure requires homesellers to provide potential buyers with the information on the property’s energy costs for the prior year. Sponsored by Representative Apuan. YES is the pro-environment vote.
House Bill 1354 – New Home Bldr Offer Wind Elec Gen Option – Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Defeated – Environment LOSS
This bill would expand the previously passed Solar Home Prewire Act (HB 1149, above) to include other renewable energy systems. Sponsored by Representative McFadyen and Senator Schwartz. YES is the pro-environment vote.
Senate Bill 051 – Renewable Energy Financing Act – Full Text of Bill – Bill Details and Votes
Status – Signed by Governor – Environmental WIN
This measure clarifies and expands on programs originally passed in the Colorado Clean Energy Finance Program Act to encourage renewable energy systems on homes and apartments. Sponsored by Senator Morgan Carroll and Representative Levy. YES is the pro-environment vote.