The events will highlight concern over the proposed La Veta Pass transmission line and massive solar development, and excitement about the benefits that distributed solar energy can bring. Each event will feature a slide show honoring the beloved San Luis Valley and its endangered landscapes, followed by Solar Panel Hosting founder Joy Hughes’ talk “Responsible, Distributed Solar Energy”
Says Nature Photographer John Fielder, “I fervently support the development of renewable energy sources. But we need to do it with prudence and forethought and not rush into plans that sacrifice our natural treasures in the process. The Valley can meet its power needs, bolster its capability to attract solar energy companies, and export that renewable energy across our state and beyond while at the same time preserving the unspoiled terrain that defines the region.”
Artist volunteers include Joe Zinn, Nic Behrens, and Marty Mitchell. Additional submissions are welcome.
Solar Panel Hosting is employee owned, independent, and dedicated to fair and responsible business practices. The company’s plan will benefit libraries, hospitals, and schools, and support farms and ranches, by enabling individuals and businesses to own panels in community solar parks. The company is opening a Solar Information Center in the Dessert First building on Highway 285 in Saguache. Solar companies and community groups are invited to bring information to share with the public.
“The San Luis Valley is having an explosion of interest in small-scale distributed energy. We are committed to community based energy development, and will go the extra mile to protect the land,” says Hughes. “Solar Panel Hosting has had interest from dozens of sites, including homes, businesses, farms and ranches. This network spans over a hundred miles, from Alamosa to Salida, and is growing every day. While this sounds big, it is only a tiny fraction of the potential for responsible, distributed solar. Soon, we will be able to make a group discount purchase of solar panels– everyone can choose their own installer. Anybody can sign up by email: info@solarpanelhosting.com”
The San Luis Valley Council of County Governments and the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group have begun a feasibility study for 100 Megawatts of publicly owned solar power. Many community groups have been working towards renewables and energy efficiency.
Solar Panel Hosting LLC founder Joy Hughes, a veteran of the Silicon Valley boom years, worked on the Human Genome Project, the space program, and at Apple Computer. She received her B.S. in Engineering from Caltech in ’88, and an M.S. in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz in ‘91. She grew up in Colorado, and now lives off the grid on the slopes of the San Luis Valley.
Contact: info@solarpanelhosting.com
(719)207-3097
Alamosa: Sunday Jan. 31 Hospice de Valle, 3-6 PM
Monte Vista: Monday Feb. 1 Library, 5-7 PM
Saguache: Tuesday Feb. 2 Dessert First, 4-7 PM
Salida: Wednesday Feb. 3 Bongo Billy’s, 6-9 PM
Crestone: Thursday Feb. 4 Jillian’s Studio, 5-8 PM
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