Namasté Solar starts work on project that will nearly double Colorado State University's solar production
Namasté Solar installing 5.5 MW of solar at 21 sites, which is expected to produce the equivalent of powering over 900 homes over the system’s decades-long life
When we work together to pursue sustainability goals, we can have a much larger impact on our communities than if we strive toward them alone.”
FORT COLLINS, CO, USA, March 18, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Work has begun on a Colorado State University (CSU) solar energy project that will help reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. In October 2020, CSU awarded the renewable energy project to builder Namasté Solar and financial partner Solaris Energy. — Jason Sharpe, Co-Owner and CEO at Namasté Solar
Namasté Solar, an employee-owned cooperative based in Colorado, will develop, design, and construct the 5.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power across 21 sites on the CSU campus in Fort Collins, with Solaris Energy providing the needed capital. Sites include the Johnson Family Equine Hospital, Laurel Village, Richardson Design Center, and the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC). Combined, the systems are expected to produce 7,532-megawatt-hours (MWh) per year, the equivalent of powering over 900 homes with electricity throughout the system’s decades-long lifetime.
CSU currently has 6.8 MW of on-campus solar, and this project will nearly double that. This is another major development toward CSU’s commitment to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Aside from Namasté Solar and Solaris Energy, an experienced project financier and asset manager based in Fort Collins, the project will employ at least 12 other local businesses, boosting the economy with well-paying green jobs. Work is underway and is estimated to be completed by late 2022.
“Our non-profit and local roots have been a guiding north star for us when it comes to serving our community. As a solar finance company, we also deeply value climate solutions and protecting our environment,” said Solaris Energy CEO, Alex Blackmer. “This project brings it all together, with our local university leading the way to boost the local economy and provide a sustainable future for the very students it serves. We’re proud to be a piece of the magic.”
The need for collective action to combat the climate crisis has never been more vital. When the project was first announced in 2020, Colorado was experiencing the two largest fires in the state’s history just miles from CSU’s campus. The fires across the west made national headlines, bringing home the climate and air quality benefits this solar energy project has, as well as other clean energy initiatives, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“When we work together to pursue sustainability goals, we can have a much larger impact on our communities than if we strive toward them alone,” said Jason Sharpe, Co-Owner and CEO at Namasté Solar. “Last year’s fires had a devastating impact here in Colorado and provided an even greater sense of urgency to address the climate crisis we all face.”
Namasté Solar and Solaris Energy are working with CSU’s sustainability and CSU Facilities Management staff to install solar on rooftops, carports, and a ground mount at a sheep pasture on the agricultural campus.
CSU will receive renewable electricity through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solaris Energy. The terms of that agreement fix the electricity rate charge to CSU for 25 years, providing a hedge against future rate hikes. CSU will retain ownership of Renewable Energy Credits attributed to the new systems, and Solaris Energy will own and manage the systems as a part of its larger asset portfolio.
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ABOUT NAMASTÉ SOLAR:
Since 2005, Namasté Solar has developed, designed, installed, and maintained solar electric systems for homeowners, commercial property owners, and utility-scale developers. Namasté Solar, an employee-owned Colorado Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation, also provides highly specialized solar engineering, design, and consulting services, as well as maintenance and operations for solar projects across the United States. The company is on a mission to accelerate the adoption of clean renewable energy and to prove there is a better way to do business. As a B Corp, Namaste Solar is part of a global movement using business as a force for good to solve social and environmental challenges. The company has installed more than 8,100 clean energy systems that produce over 103 megawatts combined. For more information visit: namastesolar.com
ABOUT SOLARIS ENERGY, LLC:
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, and grown from non-profit roots, Solaris Energy is an experienced, value-driven solar development, finance, and asset management firm. The company accelerates the widespread deployment of distributed solar energy systems while providing investors with attractive rates of return and offering low-cost financing to non- profits, municipalities, schools, and other commercial and industrial customers looking to reduce their environmental impact, increase their bottom line and participate in the worldwide shift to renewable energy. Solaris Energy’s dedicated team of passionate individuals has been providing these services since 2008, building a strong track record of proven and cost-effective renewable energy solutions across all sectors of energy consumers. For more information visit: solarisenergy.com
Dave Rizzotto
Namasté Solar
+13034470300
email us here
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