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Colorado expands solar access and targets copper theft with new laws
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 8, 2026//
Deposit Photos.
Deposit Photos.
Colorado expands solar access and targets copper theft with new laws
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 8, 2026//
In Brief:
- Gov. Jared Polis signs three bills into law
- House Bill 1007 expands solar access for renters and homeowners
- House Bill 1311 eases retainage rules for construction contracts
- House Bill 1101 increases penalties for copper wire theft
DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday signed three bills into law aimed at expanding access to solar energy, easing requirements for construction businesses and increasing penalties related to copper wire theft.
One measure, House Bill 1007, allows more homeowners and renters to use distributed energy resources including balcony solar systems in apartments and multifamily housing. The bill was sponsored by state Reps. Lesley Smith and Rebekah Stewart and state Sens. Cathy Kipp and Matt Ball.
“Colorado is breaking down barriers to clean energy and saving people money on energy bills,” Polis said in a statement.
Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor said the law will expand consumer access to solar technology and could improve grid reliability when paired with battery storage.
Polis also signed House Bill 1311, which changes retainage requirements in construction contracts and allows contractors to use surety bonds in some cases. Sponsors included House Majority Leader Monica Duran, state Rep. Michael Carter and state Sens. Scott Bright and Marc Snyder.
Polis said the law is intended to help construction companies expand as Colorado works to increase housing supply.
The governor additionally signed House Bill 1101, which creates new criminal offenses tied to theft and resale of critical infrastructure metals including copper wire. The bill was sponsored by state Reps. Cecelia Espenoza and Matt Soper and state Sens. William Lindstedt and Byron Pelton.
“Theft of any kind is unacceptable and this new law will help protect Colorado’s infrastructure,” Polis said.
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