Xcel Energy and SunPower Announce Commercial Operation of Hooper Solar Power Plant

Strategic Insights -

Xcel Energy, a leading U.S. electricity and natural gas company, and SunPower Corp., a global leader in solar technology, have announced the commercial operation of the 50-megawatt Hooper solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Colorado's San Luis Valley. The plant is generating enough electricity to serve the needs of approximately 13,500 average Colorado homes at cost-competitive rates under a power purchase agreement with SunPower.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hooper solar power plant is a 50-megawatt facility located in Colorado's San Luis Valley, which is sufficient to power 13,500 average Colorado homes.
  • The plant was developed and constructed by SunPower, and Xcel Energy is purchasing the power generated at cost-competitive rates under a power purchase agreement.
  • The plant is a significant addition to Xcel Energy's renewable portfolio in Colorado, with David Eves, president of Public Service Co. of Colorado, stating that it is a key example of the company's commitment to solar power.
  • SunPower designed and constructed the plant using its proprietary SunPower Oasis Power Plant system, which includes a robotic solar panel cleaning capability that uses 75% less water than traditional methods and can improve system performance by up to 15%.
  • The plant has created over 150 jobs during peak construction, demonstrating the economic benefits of large-scale solar power development.

Statistics:

  • The Hooper solar power plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) on an alternating current (ac) basis.
  • The plant is generating enough electricity to serve 13,500 average Colorado homes.
  • SunPower's robotic solar panel cleaning capability uses 75% less water than traditional methods.
  • The plant is a key addition to Xcel Energy's renewable portfolio in Colorado, with a goal of commissioning 100 MW of solar capacity by 2015.
  • Two other solar power plants in the San Luis Valley, the 19-MW Greater Sandhill and the 30-MW San Luis Valley Solar Ranch, are also generating power for Xcel Energy's customers.

Sources:

  • Xcel Energy announcement, December 23, 2015
  • SunPower Corp. announcement, December 23, 2015
  • Xcel Energy, 2015, press release
  • SunPower Corp., 2015, press release
  • SunPower Corp., About Us webpage