Duke Energy opens 120 MW Idaho solar power plant for business

Commercial operations began at the 120 MW Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, Idaho, this week, launching the state’s largest solar installation and the first utility-scale renewable energy project for Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.

Already, Idaho Power has agreed to purchase power from the site for the next 20 years. This will ultimately help that utility advance on a 100 percent clean energy goal for 2045. Running at capacity, the site would have the capability to power approximately 24,000 homes with solar energy.

“Entering the Idaho solar market with such a major renewable project is very exciting for Duke Energy,” Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, said. “Jackpot Solar will help strengthen the energy diversity in the state and bring additional economic benefits to the state and Twin Falls County while also supporting Idaho Power’s clean energy goals.”

While Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will operate the site, it was built and engineered by SOLV Energy on 952 acres south of Twin Falls, Idaho. In addition to its energy offerings, the facility will bring tax revenues for the local Filer Consolidated School District, and the Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association to support safety for rural sections of the county in which Jackpot operates.