This week, the Colorado Energy Office and GRID Alternatives announced a pilot of five demonstration projects for 100% low income shared solar projects. Delta Montrose Electric Association, Gunnison County Electric Association, Holy Cross Energy, San Miguel Power Association and Yampa Valley Electric Association have volunteered to build low-income projects totaling 579 kW. Each project is designed to optimize the community solar model to reduce energy costs for the utilities’ highest need customers – those who spend more than 4% of income on utility bills – in Colorado’s rural communities.  CEO and GRID Alternatives expect to secure additional partnerships with utilities through 2017 to install 1 MW of combined solar energy for a minimum of 300 low income subscribers.