University of Colorado Boulder Breaks Ground on 5-MW Solar Project

The University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with Pivot Energy, a leading national renewable energy independent power producer, has officially broken ground on a 5-megawatt direct current (MWdc) virtual net metering solar project in Weld County, Colorado. This milestone marks the next phase in a partnership that supports the university's broader clean energy goals while advancing its Climate Action Plan. The solar array will enable the university to offset its electricity usage, reduce its Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Key Takeaways:

• The solar project is expected to produce approximately 9.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy annually, equivalent to powering more than 850 homes or removing 1,580 passenger cars from the road for one year.
• The project will be developed, owned, and operated by Pivot Energy, and CU Boulder will benefit from a virtual net metering program established by Colorado Senate Bill 21-261 in 2021.
• The project's 8,000 solar panels, when laid end-to-end, are equivalent to filling four football fields.
• Agrivoltaics, including sheep for lamb-scaping, will be integrated into the project, providing a diversified revenue stream for a local rancher.
• The partnership is cost-neutral and marks a significant step in the university's progress toward its climate action goals.
• The project's solar energy will be used to offset the university's electricity usage, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and supporting its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Statistics:

• 9.5 million kWh of solar energy produced annually
• Equivalent to powering more than 850 homes
• Equivalent to removing 1,580 passenger cars from the road for one year
• 8,000 solar panels, equivalent to filling four football fields when laid end-to-end
• 100 sheep will provide lamb-scaping services on site each year
• The project will be completed in early 2026
• The university's Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 50% by 2030
• The university aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

Sources:

• Pivot Energy
• University of Colorado Boulder
• PR Newswire, August 13, 2025
• Colorado Senate Bill 21-261, 2021
• Boulder Daily Camera, August 5, 2025