Xcel Energy has announced that an affiliate of SunEdison will build, own and operate a 8 megawatt central solar power plant in south central Colorado. The power plant will house two solar technologies; concentrating photovoltaic and advanced flat-plate solar panel units. Both the flat-plate solar panel segment of the plant and the concentrating solar segment will be the largest of their type in the U.S.
Approximately 1.2 megawatts will come from concentrating photovoltaic units. The remaining approximately 6.8 megawatts of generation will be advanced flat-plate solar panel units. The plant is expected to be on line by the end of 2007. Public Service Company of Colorado will purchase the power and the Renewable Energy Credits associated with the plant.
“Being able to meet the power needs of our customers and meet the voter-approved, Amendment 37 standards this quickly demonstrates our commitment to the environment,” said Pat Vincent, president and CEO, Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy Company. “We will move forward with the project as soon as we receive regulatory approval to purchasing the output from this solar power plant.”
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the San Luis Valley as having the best solar conditions in Colorado. This central solar power plant will take advantage of those conditions.