Xcel in talks with solar industry over incentives

By The AP
Tuesday, March 8, 2011

DENVER — Xcel Energy is in talks over the future of its solar incentives.

Xcel had offered up to $2.35 per watt to customers who install small-scale solar electric systems. But it suspended the program while the Colorado Public Utilities Commission considers Xcel’s request to cut the incentives to $1.25 per watt.

The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association has asked the PUC to halt the suspension, saying it has cost jobs in the solar industry.

The PUC told the sides to talk it out before it steps in Friday. Negotiations are continuing.

The Denver Post reports Xcel paid $67 million in solar incentives last year while collecting about $50 million from a charge all customers pay to cover the incentives’ costs.

Xcel says fewer incentives are needed as solar technology costs fall.