Colorado Governor Ritter Signs 'Solar Ready Homes' Bill

May 4, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today signed into law a measure that will encourage construction of "solar ready homes" as part of a long-term strategy to make the New Energy Economy more accessible to more people and to create new jobs all across the state.

House Bill 1149, sponsored by Rep. Mike Merrifield and Sen. Morgan Carroll, requires that homebuilders offer prospective homeowners the option of having their home pre-wired for solar and provide homeowners with a list of contractors.

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"This new law will let us keep bringing the New Energy Economy home as we lead Colorado forward and transform our economy," Gov. Ritter said. "It puts a new energy future directly in the hands of Coloradans, giving them easy access to clean energy technologies and saving them money. And putting more clean energy in more homes will sustain or create more good-paying jobs for the Colorado economy."

In addition to requiring a pre-wire option, HB 1149 also gives homebuyers the ability to incorporate solar-technology purchases into their original mortgage.

"As a state, we should be doing everything we can to make it hassle-free for homeowners to participate in the New Energy Economy," Rep. Merrifield said. "Solar power helps people move away from traditional, finite energy sources, it helps homeowners save money, and it helps create good jobs, from installers to engineers. Because the sun never stops shining here in Colorado, homes will have higher resale values in the future if they are pre-wired for solar panels."

"With Gov. Ritter signing House Bill 1149 today, we have taken a great step towards making green technology an option for Colorado's homebuyers," Sen. Carroll said. "This bill opens the door for renewable energy at the construction phase, where it is most affordable, will be an asset for consumers, and will create needed jobs in this economy."

Source: Colorado Governor