Massive solar project to be built in northern Colorado

More solar energy is coming to northern Colorado. Although expensive to build, solar saves Colorado money in the long run while reducing pollution.

Many of us don’t realize one of the biggest reasons solar energy works so well in Colorado. Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the country. That’s why adding renewable energy from solar panels is a great idea.

Gov. Jared Polis announced Colorado plans to have 100% renewable energy by 2040 to combat costs, climate change and pollution. Northern Colorado has taken a major step toward making that plan a reality.

Largest Solar Project in Severance

Platte River Power Authority announced a partnership with Qcells to build the largest solar project in Colorado’s history.

Colorado currently ranks tenth in the nation for the number of solar-powered homes.

The project will be built near the town of Severance near Black Hollow Reservoir and will provide electricity to the cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park and Longmont by 2025, with additional communities expanding by 2026.

The Platte River Power Authority says the first phase will be completed by May of next year. This phase will add 367,000 megawatt-hours of power per year.

In 2026, the second phase will be completed. Here are the details about it.

…The second phase of Black Hollow Solar will add an additional 107 MW of capacity in 2026, bringing the total for the project to 257 MW. That’s enough to power more than 63,000 homes and bring Platte River’s total solar capacity to 309 MW.

Where does most of the energy come from today?

The Platte River Power Authority says most of its electricity comes from coal. This is a major step toward eliminating pollution.

Yes, it will cost a little up front, but ultimately this is the future of energy.

Source: Platte River Power Authority

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