Pivot Energy, a national independent renewable energy producer, and the University of Colorado Boulder officially started construction on a 5-megawatt DC virtual net metering solar project in Wilde County, Colorado last week.

This milestone marks a new phase in the partnership first announced by both parties in July 2024, and will support the university's broader clean energy goals while advancing its climate action plan. Pivot Energy will develop, own, and operate the off-site project, which is expected to be completed in early 2026.

According to a 20-year subscription agreement, the University of Colorado Boulder will benefit from the virtual net measurement program established by Colorado Senate Bill 21-261 in 2021. This project allows the university to subscribe to off-site energy production and earn points in its electricity bills, as well as 100% renewable energy credits for the project. The solar cell array will also offset the electricity consumption of the University of Colorado Boulder and advance its Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The project is cost neutral.

Justin Schwartz, President of the University of Colorado Boulder, said, "The collaboration with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how the University of Colorado Boulder leads the future with goals. We are not just talking about sustainable development - we are integrating it into our operations in a way that is both financially responsible and environmentally beneficial. ”

After the completion of the project, it is expected to generate approximately 9.5 million kilowatt hours of solar energy annually. The approximately 8000 solar panels laid end-to-end in the project are enough to fill four football fields. In addition, the project will also integrate agricultural photovoltaic systems. From April to October each year, about 100 sheep will provide on-site "sheep house management" services to manage vegetation. Local ranchers will provide additional pastures at the project site.

Mat Elmore, Senior Vice President of Strategic Clients at Pivot Energy, stated, "Pivot Energy is honored to collaborate with the University of Colorado Boulder on this project and looks forward to its commencement. For the largest university in Colorado and Pivot, this is a win-win situation - it not only helps the University of Colorado Boulder achieve its renewable energy goals, but also accelerates the country's transition to solar energy.