BOULDER, Colo. — REC Solar, a leader in solar electric system design and installation, has announced the completion of a 500 kilowatt community solar project in Boulder, Colo. The Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array is the first community solar project completed under Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Community program, under which any utility ratepayer can directly purchase energy from the solar array and immediately save money on monthly electricity bills. REC Solar designed and built the array, while Clean Energy Collective (CEC) will operate and maintain the system. REC Solar has additional Solar*Rewards Community projects under development and construction for completion later this year.

“This innovative model expands solar access to all Xcel Energy customers who are interested in the carbon-reducing and cost-savings benefits of solar, regardless of location or income,” said Andy Noel, director of utility scale EPC at REC Solar. “The program’s popularity demonstrates widespread interest from Colorado consumers and businesses in accessing affordable solar power.”

The Solar*Rewards Community program extends the cost savings of renewable energy to many groups who previously could not go solar, including renters, those with shaded properties, and residents without the financial means to purchase or finance an array, said Xcel Energy. Homeowners and businesses can now purchase as little as one kilowatt or enough to power their entire electricity load.