Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Completes Solar Installation for Colorado State University

Colorado State University and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) have declared the completion of a solar photovoltaic plant at the Colorado State University. The plant will generate 5.3 MW photovoltaic power to supply electricity to the Foothills Campus of the University.

The solar system in the campus is financed by a joint venture between FRV and Xcel Energy. The University has entered into a 20 year fixed priced power purchase agreement (PPA) with Xcel Energy. FRV will possess the solar structure and manage it while availing the benefits such as tax credits and incentives of the PPA arrangement. A part of the investment cost for the project was offset by the Solar Rewards program of Xcel Energy. The Renewable Energy Credits generated by the project will be bought by Xcel Energy.

The first phase of the 120,000 square meter plant was designed and erected by AMEC in 2009. The company utilized the Wattsun single-axis trackers manufactured by Array Technologies. The second phase of the project was completed by FRV at the end of the year 2010 utilizing the services of Global Energy Services. Macapisa racks were used in the second phase.