GOV. RITTER WELCOMES NEW SOLAR-LEASING FIRM SUNRUN TO COLORADO

Gov. Bill Ritter today welcomed SunRun as the newest member of Colorado ’s New Energy Economy. SunRun offers homeowners the opportunity to lease solar power systems, providing another way for consumers to save energy costs and access clean energy.

California-based SunRun (www.sunrunhome.com) is expanding its business to Colorado as a direct outgrowth of the passage of Senate Bill 51, signed by Gov. Ritter on Earth Day 2009. SB 51 allows solar companies to build rooftop systems that homeowners can lease instead of own, dramatically reducing upfront costs for consumers and creating a new marketplace and job expansion for solar installers.

“I am pleased to welcome SunRun to Colorado as the newest member of our growing New Energy Economy,” Gov. Ritter said. “With great support from the Legislature, we’ve passed some of the most forward-thinking legislation in the country to help us attract companies like SunRun to Colorado . And not only are we creating sustainable jobs, we are lowering energy costs, increasing energy security and leading America toward a new energy future."

Gov. Ritter highlighted the solar leasing approach at the heart of SunRun’s expansion as part of his 2009 State of the State Address in January. In just nine months the concept was turned into legislation, new jobs and new opportunities. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Morgan Carroll and Rep. Claire Levy.

“The service provided by SunRun is exactly what ordinary homeowners in Colorado need to join in the benefits of Colorado ’s New Energy Economy,” Rep. Levy said. “I am pleased that SunRun has seized the opportunities created by Senate Bill 51.”

"We are very excited to welcome SunRun to Colorado . This will mean more affordable access to solar for thousands of homeowners and great job growth and economic development for our state,” said Sen. Carroll. “I want to thank everyone who helped pass SB 51 and welcome SunRun to Colorado.”

SunRun partners with local solar companies and its arrival in Colorado is expected to lead to dozens of new jobs for installers. So far in 2009, SunRun’s partners in other states - including Arizona , California and Massachusetts - have seen consistent job increases. Larger installation partners have hired as many as 20 additional people in their first three months working with SunRun.

“Governor Ritter and his staff are some of the country’s leading green thinkers, and we’re excited to be working with them to develop clean energy solutions that make financial sense for homeowners and taxpayers,” said Lynn Jurich, president and cofounder of SunRun.


Under a solar lease arrangement, homeowners pay as little as $1,000 for a one-time system installation fee. For a small monthly fee, SunRun provides complete monitoring, repairs, insurance and a performance guarantee. Utility bill savings mean consumers often see payback from their investment in less than three years.