Lighthouse Solar has announced that it is getting out of the installation business in Colorado. Market conditions created by Xcel Energy and the PUC have made operating in Colorado too difficult and unpredictable to do business.
In contrast, Lighthouse Solar has two additional installation offices that are thriving in Austin, Texas and New Paltz, New York.
Lighthouse Solar has been installing solar since 2006. In 2013, the company installed the largest rooftop system in Colorado, 1.2MW on the Flatirons Crossing Mall. Last year, the company completed over 7MW of installations, employing over 40 full-time employees and over 100 people including sub-contractors.
The company is shifting its focus to its Lumos brand of solar products and has reduced its workforce down to 15 full-time employees based on the fact that only 7MW of commercial solar projects will be completed in the entire state in 2014.
"Lighthouse Solar was established with the mission to facilitate the use of solar energy. It is deeply disappointing that the only thing standing between us and the enormous demand for solar energy in our home state is Xcel Energy, a state sanctioned monopoly, and the PUC," says Scott Franklin, CEO and President.
"Colorado should be a global leader in solar energy. We have over 300 days of high altitude sunshine a year; we have an incredibly progressive population that is concerned about the environment and climate change, yet instead we are going backwards. Since Hickenlooper took office, we have dropped from being ranked 3rd Nationally to 10th in terms of solar adoption – behind states like New Jersey and Massachusetts."
Despite the enormous hurdles Xcel Energy and the PUC have placed in front of Colorado's solar industry, fortunately for the company, their Lumos business is thriving. With strong sales across the country, Lumos has grown to become a national brand, selling its solar products throughout North America. Starting in 2015 the company will start distribution in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
