North Colorado Business Report

The solar industry applauded a decision by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission that allows Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE: XEL) to acquire as much as 33.6 megawatts as part of the company's Solar Rewards program.

The decision mailed Tuesday by the Public Utilities Commission more than triples the amount of solar capacity the utility can offer on systems sized 10 kilowatts and less. Xcel previously was approved for just 9.6 megawatts this year and next year, but interest in the program exceeded capacity, Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz said.