CSU adding solar power

Project will almost double capacity

Colorado State University in Fort Collins has begun to install solar resources to almost double the amount of solar power generated on campus.

The project, to be installed by Namasté Solar and financed by Solaris Energy, will total 5.5 megawatts of solar power across 21 sites on the campus. CSU already has 6.8MW of solar installed.

The new project will produce 7,532 megawatt hours of electricity per year — the equivalent of the power needed for 900 homes, according to information provided by Namasté Solar.

CSU has targeted 2030 as the year it will use 100% renewable energy sources.

Sites for the solar installations include the Johnson Family

Equine Hospital, Laurel Village, Richardson Design Center and the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center. Installation will be complete by late 2022.

“Our nonprofit and local roots have been a guiding north star for us when it comes to serving our community. As a solar finance company, we also deeply value climate solutions and protecting our environment,” Solaris Energy CEO Alex Blackmer said in a written statement. Solaris Energy is the trade name for For t Collins company Solaris Investment Group LLC.

“This project brings it all together, with our local university leading the way to boost the local economy and provide a sustainable future for the very students it ser ves. We’re proud to be a piece of the magic,” Blackmer said.

For Boulder-based Namasté Solar Electric Inc., the collaboration was an impor tant par t of the project.

“When we work together to pursue sustainability goals, we can have a much larger impact on our communities than if we strive toward them alone,” said CEO Jason Sharpe. “Last year’s fires had a devastating impact here in Colorado and provided an even greater sense of urgency to address the climate crisis we all face.”

The plan calls for CSU to buy power from Solaris, which will fix the rate for 25 years. Solaris will own and manage the system.