The City of Denver is diving head-first into solar energy. Recently, the city announced the completion of two community solar gardens in a power plan that will eventually produce nearly 10 million kWh per year, the equivalent of taking 1,000 cars off the road.
The city’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency is hoping to transition the city to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. The city is investing $26 million into the solar gardens project that will increase equitable access to clean energy throughout the city. According to the release, more than 30 percent of the power generated will be allocated to support low-income housing and Denver Public Schools families who need help paying their energy bills.
Denver plans to install a total of 11 community solar gardens over the next year through the city’s Climate Protection Fund, a $40 million annual fund. The projects also bring paid training opportunities for clean energy jobs, student internships and classroom activities.
The remaining solar gardens will be installed at sites such as recreation facilities and parks across the city. The first two solar gardens were installed at the new National Western Center.
“We are both excited and honored to collaborate with Denver in bringing access to renewable energy to our Denver Public Schools families,” says LeeAnn Kittle, director of sustainability for Denver Public Schools. “Not only will this help get our city to 100 percent renewable energy, but it will also lower energy costs for many of our families.”
Dave Lubach is managing editor for the facilities market.
