Collaborating toward a clean energy future

Colorado currently ranks 12th in the nation for installed solar capacity and seventh for solar jobs. The value of the statewide solar market is $8.1 billion, with more than 4,200 megawatts of installed solar – enough to power 852,000 homes! The price of solar has declined by 37% over the last 10 years, making it one of the cheapest sources of power in the state.

In 2019, Colorado’s General Assembly committed to a goal of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2040. Southwest Colorado has the opportunity to play an important role in this clean energy transition. To achieve this goal, it is estimated we will need to quintuple the amount of solar across the state within the next 10 years. This will require a mix of rooftop, commercial and utility-scale solar projects along with battery energy storage systems.

Rural communities will play a key role in the energy transition, as the land needed to build solar, wind and other green energy projects largely exists in non-urban areas. Already, rural America is home to 83% of clean energy projects –  and Colorado is no different. Nearly 90% of power generated by renewable sources comes from rural areas. It is estimated that only one-tenth of 1% of land in the state is needed to accommodate future solar installations to meet the state’s renewable energy goal. For comparison, it is projected that low-density exurban sprawl will use 500,000 acres – more than 500 times as much land as solar development – over the same time period.

Southwest Colorado is already emerging as a leader in renewable energy, as the City of Durango and Durango School District 9-R have installed a combined 11 solar systems in recent years. The Sunnyside Community Solar Garden – which came online summer 2024 – is providing power to La Plata County, the city, 9-R, income-qualified households, as well as LPEA members.

The incorporation of utility-scale solar and battery storage into our region’s mix of energy can enhance the reliability and stability of the power grid while bolstering local economies. Utility-scale solar can protect family farms and ranches by providing a valuable new source of income. This means more farmers can stay on their land instead of selling to developers. Furthermore, new solar will help diversify the electric grid, making sure the power stays on if other sources fail. Additionally, utility-scale solar means benefits for local communities through property taxes, lease payments and other direct benefits.

Appropriately siting and mitigating the impacts of utility-scale solar are critical for success. Land disturbances and impacts to wildlife habitat and agriculture are among the top concerns. However, the impacts on solar sites are far less than those from housing or commercial development, which can create permanent and irreparable harm. At the end of a solar project’s lifecycle, the panels can be removed and recycled and the land restored. Further, incorporating agrivoltaics into a project can blend agricultural with energy production, aiding both the landowner and community.

Collaborative communication, innovative best practices and solution-oriented discussions will be critical as we transition to a clean energy future. The opportunity for Southwest Colorado to play an important role in the energy transition is upon us, and the more informed that residents are with factual information and a solid understanding of the positive impacts from renewable energy development, the better for everyone.

– Adrienne Dorsey, Durango