Community solar developer Pivot Energy and Standard Solar have developed three new community solar projects in Colorado. Two projects are located in Garfield County and the third in Jefferson County.
The projects represent 4 MW of solar energy and will produce enough electricity to power more than 700 homes.
“Our continued partnership with Standard Solar has been a tremendous success as we work to meet the growing demand by Coloradans for more clean energy,” said Jon Fitzpatrick, VP of project development for Pivot Energy. “This is an exciting portfolio for us to develop that will support local jobs and create economic benefits for Garfield and Jefferson counties while advancing the state’s clean energy progress.”
One megawatt of the portfolio will serve low-income subscribers, while the remaining 3 MW have been subscribed to by local municipalities and organizations. Pivot Energy developed and constructed the solar gardens and will provide customer management services, while Standard Solar will finance, own and maintain the systems.
“Developing these projects alongside Pivot Energy was a true collaboration leveraging our joint resources and our shared values in renewable energy and accessibility,” said Shaun Laughlin, head of U.S. Strategic Development for Standard Solar. “We’re proud to do our part to accelerate the energy transition through acquiring high-quality, renewable energy assets projects like these throughout the U.S.”
Community solar is a means for local communities to help achieve clean energy targets while providing cost savings to anyone who pays an electricity bill. Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), a clean energy advocacy group for Colorado’s western slope region, supports the increased development of community solar through the Garfield Clean Energy Collaborative and other initiatives.
“We’re excited to see the launch of these new projects,” said Katharine Rushton, CLEER’s renewable energy program director. “Solar energy is an important part of Garfield County’s economic development strategy, and these projects will enable the local governments who have subscribed to cover their electricity needs with locally produced energy. Access to low-cost solar energy is particularly helpful for those at the lower end of the income spectrum, so we welcome the designation of 1 MW of community solar for low-income subscribers.”
Both solar gardens located in Garfield County will come online in June 2021, while the project located in Jefferson County will be energized later this summer. Pivot plans to develop additional gardens on the western slope in 2021.
