Today, Duke Energy and Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) announced the start of operation for a new solar energy generating facility, the Palmer Solar project.

Containing more than 220,000 solar panels on about 700 acres southeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., the 60-MW Palmer Solar will provide solar electricity to Springs Utilities’ customers. This is the largest solar project contracted by Springs Utilities to date and the first solar project to interconnect with its transmission system.

Under a 20-year agreement, Springs Utilities will purchase the electricity Palmer Solar generates from Duke Energy Renewables. The project was acquired by Duke Energy Renewables from juwi Americas in May 2019. With this addition, Duke Energy Renewables has two solar projects in Colorado totaling more than 70 megawatts.

During peak construction, the Palmer Solar project employed as many as 200 individuals. It will also deliver property tax revenues of approximately $5.2 million throughout the life of the project to El Paso County.

Springs Utilities has increased its renewable resources from 19 megawatts to 114 megawatts in the past six months.

“In light of our present challenges associated with COVID-19, our work continues to support our Energy Vision. We are steadfast in our mission to provide reliable and environmentally sustainable energy that reduces our carbon footprint,” said Aram Benyamin, Springs Utilities CEO.

Play the video below to see an aerial view of the project.

Source : Renewable Energy World