Colorado currently ranks 12th in the nation for total installed solar capacity and seventh for solar jobs. The value of the statewide solar market is $8.1 billion and existing installed capacity is 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 for electricity generation in the state.
The state of Colorado has committed to a goal of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2040 to protect the health of communities and the natural environment, and our region can play a key role in this transition. To achieve this goal, it is estimated that the state will need to quintuple the amount of solar installed, including rooftop, commercial and utility-scale projects, within 10 years.
Rural communities will play an important role in the energy transition, as the lands needed to build clean energy projects largely exist in non-urban areas. Already, rural America is home to 83% of clean energy projects – and Colorado is no different, as nearly 90% of electric power generated by renewable energy sources comes from rural areas.
It is estimated that only one-tenth of 1% of the land in the state is needed to accommodate future solar installations to meet the state’s renewable energy goal; for comparison, low-density exurban sprawl will use 500 times as much land as solar development over the same time period.
Southwest Colorado is already emerging as a leader in renewable energy development, as the city of Durango and Durango School District 9-R have installed a combined 11 solar systems on their facilities in recent years and the Sunnyside Community Solar Garden is providing power to La Plata County, the city, the school district and income-qualified households, as well as numerous commercial and residential La Plata Electric Association members.
The incorporation of utility-scale solar projects and battery energy storage systems into our region’s mix of energy sources can enhance the reliability and stability of the power grid while bolstering local economies. Utility-scale solar facilities can provide benefits that protect family farms by providing farmers and ranchers with a valuable new source of income. This means more family farmers can stay on their land instead of selling to housing developers or corporate landowners.
Further, the incorporation of new solar projects will help diversify the electric grid, making sure the power stays on if other energy sources fail. Additionally, utility-scale solar projects mean real benefits for local communities through property taxes, lease payments to property owners and other direct community benefits from the developer.
Appropriately siting and effectively mitigating the impacts of utility-scale solar installations are critical considerations for successful projects. Land disturbances and impacts to critical wildlife habitat are among the top concerns voiced by both communities and developers when siting projects. However, the impacts imposed on solar sites are far less than those from housing or commercial development, which have permanent and irreparable harm.
At the end of a solar project’s life cycle, the panels can be removed, recycled and the land restored. Further, incorporating agrivoltaics onto a project site can blend the benefits of agricultural operations with energy production, aiding both the landowner and broader community.
Collaborative communication, innovative best practices, and solution-oriented discussions between community members and developers will be critical as we transition to a clean energy future. The opportunity for Southwest Colorado to play a role in the energy transition is upon us and the more informed residents are with factual information and a solid understanding of the positive impacts that can result from renewable energy development in our community the better for everyone.
Adrienne Dorsey is the vice president of Strategic Initiatives for the COSSA Institute and was previously the executive director of La Plata Open Space Conservancy.
