Developed by SunEdison, the facility will generate more than 300 gigawatt-hours of energy a year for the customers of Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. The project will utilize photovoltaic technology equipped with single axis trackers, following the sun's path to optimize production.
PSCo, which services more than 1.4 million customers, will purchase electricity generated by the solar power plant under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunEdison. The PPA was awarded through an open solicitation in which Comanche Solar was selected over other sources of energy, including natural gas.
Comanche Solar will be the second renewable energy project constructed by RES in Colorado, where the company is headquartered. In 2011, RES built the 250 MW Cedar Point wind facility located in Limon, 80 miles outside of Denver.
"RES is pleased to continue our working relationship with SunEdison as one of their Solar Alliance group of companies. Colorado has consistently demonstrated leadership in renewable energy and Comanche Solar advances that legacy. Together we are creating jobs, reducing emissions and delivering economic benefits to local communities," said Andrew Fowler, Chief Operating officer of RES.
"SunEdison and RES are teaming up to build the largest solar facility in Colorado and the biggest east of the Rockies. This project will deliver clean energy to Colorado homes and businesses at a competitive price, and is an excellent proof point demonstrating that we can support the Administration's Clean Power Plan with cost-competitive, solar technology," said Paul Gaynor, Executive Vice President of SunEdison's EMEA & Americas business unit.
The Comanche Solar Project is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2016.
