Colorado Solar Gardens Discussions May 20-28

A note from Joy Hughes -

     Now that the first solar gardens on XCEL territory are producing power, it's time to look to the future!  I'll be traveling back to Colorado to attend the premiere screenings of Josh Fox's Gasland II in Boulder on Wednesday May 22 and in Colorado Springs on Thursday May 23.  Get your tickets at http://gaslandmovie.com

     During my trip, I'll be hosting some informal gatherings for happy hour, tea, and snacks.  We'll be using this time to discuss how to take community solar to the next level while keeping it real.  If you'd like to attend one, please send a message to rsvp@solargardens.org - please be sure to include your name and the event you'll be attending.

Denver

Monday May 20^th, 7-9 PM

Kona Grill, Cherry Creek Mall

3000 E 1st Ave  

Boulder

Wednesday May 22^nd, 2-4 PM

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

1770 13th St  

Colorado Springs

Thursday May 23^rd, 4PM-5:30PM

Rico’s Cafe

322 1/2 N Tejon St

Salida

Friday May 24^th, Noon-2PM

River’s Edge

300 W Sackett Ave.

Alamosa

Friday May 24^th, 6-8PM

Milagros

529 Main St (Corner of State and Main)

Saguache

Saturday May 25^th, 10:30AM-Noon

4^th Street Diner

411 4^th St.

Crestone

Saturday May 25^th, 6-8 PM

Bliss Café

187 W Silver Ave.

Denver

Tuesday May 28^th, 7-9 PM

Location TBA

Potential topics for these meetings include:

Solar Gardens Institute Charter
      - As SGI has grown, specific roles, expectation, and democratic process have become essential.  Download the proposed charter here - feel free to make comments!

SGI Regional Group for Colorado 
      - The Solar Gardens Institute started in Colorado, but has gone national and even worldwide.  It's time to strengthen our roots back home.

Solar and Fracking
      - Solar Power will reduce the total use of fossil fuels.  But will high solar penetration increase the use of natural gas?  Not if we do it right.

Community Shared Solar Policy
      - I've been selected as a reviewer for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Model Rules for Shared Renewable Energy Programs. 

Solar garden participation for low income subscribers.
     - Five percent of solar garden capacity in Colorado is reserved for customers with incomes below 185% of the poverty line.  Learn about financial models for making this possible.

Become a Solar Gardens Institute Member 
1. Fill out membership form here 
2. Return form to membership@solargardens.org
3. Donate at least $1 to SGI's Equable Community Solar Fund

Donations to SGI through the Equable Community Solar Fund are now tax deductible!  Any donation of $1 or more will qualify you for SGI membership (though of course we hope you donate more than a dollar).  The Community Power Network is our fiscal sponsor.

Many thanks,

Joy