Solar Revolutionaries Apply Here
Solar panels on the Carbondale Recreation & Community Center, image courtesy of Brent Moss
There may be more solar energy companies per resident here in Carbondale, than anywhere else in the country. Until we can actually prove it, just take our word.
Carbondale is a hot bed for grassroots organizations who are working to promote renewable energy, reduce pollution and waste, and help businesses make their operations more environmentally friendly. These businesses include:
Solar Energy International (SEI)
Provides information, education, and training to people who want to shape a sustainable future. SEI offers hands-on workshops in renewable energy technologies.
Sustainable Settings
A working organic ranch and Whole Systems Learning Center for all ages, devoted to researching and demonstrating, and teaching pathways to sustainable living.
Community Office for Resource Efficiency (C.O.R.E.)
Promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency and green building techniques in western Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley.
Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER)
Works to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, increase energy independence and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Clean Energy Collective 
Pioneering the model of delivering clean power-generation by building, operating, and maintaining community-based clean energy facilities. Finally, all Holy Cross Electric customers (residential, business, nonprofit, or tenant) can have clean power and be directly credited on their bill, all without changing their property.
EverGreen Events 
Offers weekly curbside compost pick-up for residences and businesses throughout the Roaring Fork Valley to keep organics out of the landfill, reduce methane gas creation and keep our soils productive. Additionally, we tailor sustainable operations to make community and private events of any size environmentally friendly.
Sopris Realty 
Understands construction techniques and home features that affect comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency and the costs or savings associated with insulation, windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and proper building orientation.
Governor's Energy Office (GEO)
The GEO's mission is to lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy by advancing energy efficiency and renewable, clean energy resources.
Our town government approved the Carbondale Energy Plan which outlines steps to reduce emissions, become more energy independent, and strengthen the economy in the process. A Clean Renewable Energy Bonds program (CREB’s) was also approved by the town to construct and operate two large-scale solar systems in the near future.
The new 13,558 sq ft, Carbondale Recreation & Community Center is located right next to Town Hall on 5th Street and Colorado Avenue has been awarded LEED certification (Leadership Energy & Environmental Design) and is powered by a photovoltaic solar plant on its roof.
Carbondale is also home to solar companies:
El Sol
Offers affordable solar electric system sales, design, and installation.
Sol Energy
A full service renewal energy company, specializes in energy efficiency, solar electric and solar thermal system design and installation, for homes, businesses, and municipalities.
Sunsense
A full-service solar electric and renewable energy company, servers Western Colorado, with a focus in designing and installing residential, commercial and community solar systems.
There are lots of reasons to become green. Green business improves employee morale and the health of the workplace, holds a marketing edge over the competition, strengthens its bottom line through operating efficiencies, and recognizes your business as an environmental leader. For consumers, shopping green can help reduce waste and protect our environment because Green businesses employ pollution prevention practices, conserve energy, water, and other resources, and minimize waste.
Searching for the latest information on going green in Colorado? Everything from state initiatives to Energy Star workshops are available at the Governor’s Energy Office website.
Carbondale is trying to do its part to become one of the most sustainable communities in North America. The local economy is fueled by many thriving businesses and non-profits that focus on sustainability.
