Duke Energy Renewables acquires Palmer Solar project in Colorado

Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, recently acquired the development assets associated with the Palmer Solar project in El Paso County, Colo., from juwi Americas, a renewable energy company based in Boulder.

The 60-megawatt (MW) project consists of more than 200,000 solar panels. Duke Energy Renewables now has two solar projects in Colorado totaling more than 70 MW.

“We’re pleased to continue expanding our solar footprint in Colorado,” Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables, said. “The Palmer Solar project is another positive step toward Gov. Polis’ dedication of moving the state’s electric grid to 100 [percent] renewable sources by 2040.”

The Palmer Solar project is being developed in partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities. The company’s customers will receive the energy it generates under a 20-year agreement. This is the largest solar project Colorado Springs Utilities has contracted to date and the first solar project to interconnect with Colorado Springs Utilities’ transmission system.

“We are committed to offering our customers a clean, more diverse, and affordable energy portfolio to power homes and businesses,” Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Aram Benyamin said. “The Palmer Solar project is one of the latest examples of how we are partnering with entities to change the way we power Colorado Springs, taking advantage of the economics and environmental benefits of solar power.”

Duke Energy Renewables entered an engineering, construction and procurement (EPC) agreement with juwi for the construction of the project. juwi is overseeing the construction of the project through its subsidiary JSI Construction Group.

Construction began in the first quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.