Lightsource bp along with Xcel Energy and McCarthy Building Companies has begun the commercial operation of 293MWdc Sun Mountain solar project in Pueblo, Colorado.

The Sun Mountain solar power plant marks Lightsource bp’s second solar project in Pueblo, Colorado, and brings the company’s state-wide operating solar assets to approximately 600MW.

The Sun Mountain solar project will supply green energy to Xcel Energy as part of a long-term power purchase agreement.

Robert Kenney — Xcel Energy—Colorado president said: “We are excited to complete another major solar project in Pueblo with Lightsource bp, adding even more renewable energy to our system.

“This collaboration benefits the community, the state and all our customers by bringing more clean, low-cost energy to our system, while meeting our commitment to our communities as we lead the clean energy transition.”

The Sun Mountain solar project is financed, owned, and operated by Lightsource bp and will save more than 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Kevin Smith — Lightsource bp Americas CEO said: “As long-term members of the Pueblo community, we look forward to delivering affordable clean energy for decades while continuing to expand our investment in Colorado to help power the state’s low carbon future.

“What’s really exciting is that this progress toward healthier communities is also creating new career opportunities for Americans and boosting local economies.”

The Sun Mountain solar power plant, which was part of Xcel Energy’s 2018 resource plan, supports the company’s current Colorado Energy Plan to deliver electricity from about 80% renewable sources and cut carbon emissions by 85% by 2030.

The project included the installation of 636,990 ultra-low carbon solar panels from Arizona-based First Solar and smart solar trackers from New Mexico-based Array Technologies.

The solar power project is said to have created hundreds of American jobs across the supply chain, supporting both local manufacturers and low carbon products.

McCarthy Building Companies was engineer, procure, and construct (EPC) contractor for the Sun Mountain solar project.

Recently, Lightsource bp started the construction of the 134MWdc Arche Solar project in Fulton County, Ohio.

  Colorado, Kevin Smith, Lightsource bp, McCarthy Building Companies, Pueblo, Robert Kenney, Solar industry news, Sun Mountain project, USA, Xcel Energy