Courier file photo Xcel proposes to team up with SunPower Corporation to expand the San Luis Valley’s solar energy output. A 17-megawatt photovoltaic solar plant is proposed next to SunEdison’s facility shown here South of Hooper.

Target

completion

date 2010



STAFF REPORT

ALAMOSA — Xcel Energy will build a 17-megawatt solar plant adjacent to the existing SunEdison facility, according to Kathy Worthington, area manager for Xcel Energy.

SunPower Corp. will build an AC photovoltaic solar power plant in Alamosa County, which will be completed sometime in late 2010. The plant will be the second largest high efficiency photovoltaic solar plant in North America and will create an estimated 200 jobs during construction.

The largest is another proposed project for SunPower in Florida. It will be a 25 MW facility that will also be completed by the end of 2010. The current leader in solar energy is a 14 MW facility at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

“We believe that solar power generation will play an increasingly vital role in our efforts to meet the wishes of our Colorado customers for more renewable, clean energy sources,” said Tim Taylor, president and CEO for Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel company. “SunPower’s experienced approach to solar power plant design and construction will allow us to quickly complete this important project.”

The photovoltaic plant will use SunPower’s patented Tracker solar tracking systems. Their system generates 30 percent more energy than traditional photovoltaic systems and reduces the land-use requirements. SunPower Trackers follow the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing the amount of energy accumulated.

“Today, high-efficiency solar PV technology is competitively priced for power plant applications. It’s fast to install, and reliably delivers clean power, particularly during peak demand hours,” said SunPower chief executive officer Tom Werner. “We congratulate Xcel Energy for providing leadership in the promotion of solar development, and for demonstrating how renewable technologies are part of the solution to ensure the health of our economy and our environment.”

All power will remain in Colorado to serve Xcel’s customers.

Construction of the new Alamosa project is contingent on factors including approval by the Colorado Public Utility Commission and project financing.