Solar energy advocates are hoping that state regulators’ decision to put proposed rules for community solar gardens on a fast track will help Colorado reclaim a leading role in an arena that it pioneered.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is taking public comments through Friday on rules that could expand opportunities for homeowners and others to participate in community solar projects. The PUC decided to carve out community solar from a larger proceeding on electric utilities to more quickly implement a new state law that updates regulations.

The PUC has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed rules Jan. 13.

“Colorado was the first community solar garden market in the country, but it’s really fallen behind the rest of the country,” said David Amster-Olszewski, CEO and founder of Denver-based SunShare, a leading residential community solar provider.

Read more at The Denver Post