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yesterday

Pivot Energy and CU Boulder Break Ground on 5 MW Agrivoltaic Solar Project in Weld County

A 20-year virtual net metering deal makes the array cost-neutral for the university, channeling renewable energy credits to help reach its decarbonization goals.

Brian Lindoerfer​, associate vice chancellor for facilities management, CU Boulder; Cara Carmichael, associate vice chancellor for sustainability, CU Boulder; Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience, CU Boulder; Matt Brenn, director, community solar subscriptions, Pivot Energy; Mat Elmore, senior vice president, strategic accounts, Pivot Energy; Isaiah Grayck, project manager, Pivot Energy

Overview

  • Pivot Energy and CU Boulder formally started construction on August 5 for a 5 MW direct-current solar array in Weld County, marking the transition from planning to build-out.
  • Under Colorado’s SB 21-261 virtual net metering program, CU Boulder will be the sole offtaker through a 20-year subscription that delivers bill credits and full renewable energy credits at no net cost.
  • Pivot Energy will develop, own and operate the installation, which comprises roughly 8,000 panels expected to generate about 9.5 million kWh of clean energy annually.
  • The agrivoltaic design includes space for around 100 sheep to graze and manage site vegetation from April through October under an agreement with a local rancher.
  • The facility is slated to go live in early 2026, supporting CU Boulder’s Climate Action Plan goals of a 50% Scope 2 emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.