Green enterprises adapt to downturn

Northern Colorado companies with environmentally friendly ambitions have seen more than their fair share of struggles this year.

Examples include Abound Solar of Loveland, which shuttered its solar panel manufacturing operations when it declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July. Danish turbine maker Vestas also made big headlines when it laid off workers at its Brighton and Pueblo plants.

Whether there’s more bad news ahead is unclear. A quick turnaround, however, isn’t likely, especially in light of attacks on industry subsidies amid tighter times for government.

Surviving will take luck, smarts and good fortune. The Business Report caught up with a…