Summary
Under a PPA with Holy Cross Energy (HCE), Ameresco installed a 5MW solar PV and a 15 MWh battery energy storage system on land owned by Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and leased by Ameresco. The largest complex of its kind in Colorado, the project furthers HCE’s goal of increasing the clean energy sources it provides to its members to 100% by 2030. The project also offsets 100% of the electricity use of three CMC campuses, advancing the college towards its 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
“The Holy Cross Energy/Colorado Mountain College solar-plus-storage project is a great example of a win-win renewable project. Not only does the project assist both HCE and CMC toward their renewable and carbon goals, but it also provides us with the flexibility to operate an increasingly renewable portfolio. To top it all off, we’re able to do this in a financially responsible way that saves money for all our members.”
– Sam Whelan
Vice President of Finance, Holy Cross Energy
5 MW
Solar Capacity
15 MWh
Battery Energy Storage System
6,853 Metric Tons
Annual Estimated Carbon Offset
13,500+
Solar Modules
Customer Benefits
In addition to advancing HCE’s renewable energy goal of delivering 100% clean energy to its members, the project helps CMC move closer towards its 2050 carbon neutrality goal since HCE will retire renewable energy credits on the college’s behalf. The project is designed to deliver additional benefits including:
- Annual reduction of 6,853 metric tons of CO2e – an emissions reduction equivalent to removing 1,481 passenger vehicles from the road
- Battery storage can be discharged during periods of peak demand for HCE
- Provides energy cost savings to HCE’s members
- CMC campuses at Aspen, Spring Valley, and Vail Valley will be receiving renewable energy credits from Holy Cross Energy that will offset electrical usage
Solution
Ameresco designed, built, operates and maintains the solar and battery energy storage complex on land that is owned by CMC and leased by Ameresco. The project offers the benefit of clean, renewable energy to help HCE meet its goal of sourcing 100% of the electricity used to serve customer load. The 22-acre complex includes:
- 5 MW of solar PV grid-tied to HCE’s distribution system
- 13,500+ solar modules
- 15 MWh battery energy storage
- 68 battery stacks housed in four on-site containers
