House Bill 09-1149, the Solar-Ready Homes Option Bill, would require commercial homebuilders to offer consumers the option of having solar photovoltaic energy generation panels installed.

This bill will allow every Coloradan to participate in the new energy economy and combat Global Warming by making home solar and other clean energy systems more affordable.

Abundant, Reliable, but Affordable?
Current financing systems do not reflect the fact that while the initial investment in home renewable energy systems are high, the long term benefits far outweigh those costs. By requiring builders to offer solar photovoltaic or solar thermal units as an option, this bill can help reduce the upfront costs, making clean energy more accessible to more Coloradans. 

Building Colorado's Solar Market and Putting People to Work
Between 2005 and 2008 residential renewable energy businesses tripled. In 2008 over 200 companies employed over 1,200 people. Putting more clean energy in more homes will sustain or create more high-paying jobs for the Colorado economy.

Industry estimates predict that this bill will lead to 200 new direct jobs in solar in Colorado.

Making solar an option on homes removes another barrier and creates an incentive for homegrown renewable energy in Colorado. This will help Coloradans cut their energy bills and make sure that our growing solar industry continues to expand.  

Putting the New Energy Economy in the Hands and Homes of Ordinary Coloradans
This legislation is about choice. Right now buyers of newly built homes get a choice of floors or counter tops, but builders don't tell them that they can save energy and lower their bills by installing a solar system.  This legislation would change that by requiring home builders to offer solar as an option to home buyers.