Utah's First Floating Solar Array a Success
Source: Kristine Weller from KPCW
A groundbreaking solar project has been completed ahead of schedule at the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant in Utah. The 587.5 kW floating solar array is the first of its kind in the state, demonstrating the innovative potential of renewable energy solutions.
Developed by Ameresco and D3Energy in partnership with Mountain Regional Water Special Service District, the project is expected to generate 871,086 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 609 metric tons. The array will supply electricity directly to the water treatment plant, offsetting 92% of its grid energy consumption and significantly reducing energy costs.
"This is a major milestone in our commitment to sustainability," said Andy Garland, general manager of Mountain Regional Water. "The floating solar array not only provides clean energy but also helps us achieve our net-zero energy goals."
The innovative project makes efficient use of available water surfaces, providing an ideal solution for maximizing energy production without impacting land resources.
"Floating solar offers a unique opportunity to harness renewable energy in areas where traditional ground-mounted solar might not be feasible," said Chris Braun, mountain regional chief technology officer. "This project demonstrates the creativity and innovation driving the renewable energy industry."
The Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant floating solar installation is supported by a $400,000 grant from Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky Award program. This initiative encourages community-based renewable energy projects and has seen significant participation in recent years.
"Floating solar arrays like this are a prime example of sustainable development," said Lou Maltezos, executive vice president of Ameresco. "By utilizing existing water surfaces, we can maximize energy production while minimizing environmental impact."
As the world continues to transition towards cleaner energy sources, projects like the Signal Hill floating solar array showcase the potential of innovative solutions to address our energy needs.
Telkes’ Take: This is a fantastic milestone for Utah and a great example of how innovative solutions like floating solar can maximize clean energy generation without competing for land resources. It’s impressive to see the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant using this technology to achieve significant cost savings and carbon reductions while supplying renewable energy directly to its operations. Kudos to Ameresco, D3Energy, and Mountain Regional Water for thinking outside the box and demonstrating what’s possible with floating PV. It’s exciting to see projects like these pushing us closer to a sustainable future!
