Just south of Colorado Springs, the largest solar facility in the region – Pike Solar -- is now generating and delivering electricity to Colorado Springs Utilities customers. The 175-megawatt solar array, located on 1,310 acres, was officially placed into commercial operation this week.
Pike Solar is owned and operated by Deriva Energy, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based independent generation developer. The plant is providing energy to our customers through a 17-year power purchase agreement.
Pike Solar is expected to generate enough electricity annually to serve the energy needs of roughly 46,300 homes and businesses in our service territory.
“Now the largest solar array on our system, Pike Solar represents a significant step toward our goal of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030,” said Springs Utilities Chief Executive Officer Travas Deal. “While this is a major development, our work is just beginning. Pike Solar joins many other projects and initiatives in our Sustainable Energy Plan to provide our community with a cleaner energy future and a resilient and sustainable electric grid.”
The JUWI Group completed the development, engineering and construction of the project and will provide operation and maintenance services for Pike Solar. The project employed approximately 350 workers at peak construction.
Deriva Energy will own the plant and share operations and maintenance responsibilities with JUWI.