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Ridgway SAB hears battery, carport solar updates; grants, incentives flagged as critical
Summary
Town staff and board members said a six‑megawatt‑hour battery and 250 kW of carport solar are planned for Ridgway pending approvals, and members warned that loss of federal tax incentives could make small solar projects economically difficult.
Town staff and Sustainability Advisory Board members reported progress on local renewable projects and discussed near‑term grant timelines and financing challenges.
Preston, town staff, told the board the energy‑code text amendments will go to the planning commission in January, with town council consideration following in February–March 2026 after stakeholder outreach. "We're looking to take the text amendments to the planning commission in January," Preston said, adding outreach led by EcoAction Partners and Lotus Engineering informed the draft.
Members also reported on project financing. One member said federal investment tax credits (ITC) may not be available after the end of the year for some small projects, complicating local solar economics. "Without those 30% tax incentives, it might be challenging even with the grant to make it pencil out," a committee member said.
The board heard an update that a 6 MWh battery intended to back up Ridgway's electric circuit is close to contractor selection and will be paired with two 250 kW carports (100 kW to be net‑metered for SMPA). "We're within a couple days of choosing a contractor to put in the six megawatt hour battery," a member said, describing the site at the SMPA yard and container relocation to accommodate the system.
Members discussed Restore Colorado and other grant opportunities, noting some grant lines are shrinking and that the board should prepare narratives and scopes quickly when opportunities arise. The board agreed to prioritize grant applications where timing and matching rules align with town capacity.
The board flagged the risk that local solar contractors may face financial strain if incentives lapse, and members said they will pursue state energy office funding and other grants to help projects proceed.
