Altus Power Launches 1.4 MW Rooftop Solar Project in Superior, Colorado
Altus Power, the leading commercial-scale provider of clean electric power, has announced the successful operationalization of a new rooftop solar project in Superior, Colorado. This 1.4 MW solar installation is located at the Blue Sport Stable sports facility and is expected to significantly reduce energy costs while providing the majority of the facility’s annual energy needs. The project will power various amenities within the facility, including ice rinks, pickleball and basketball courts, a turf field, and a health and wellness center. This initiative represents a crucial step toward sustainable energy solutions for commercial enterprises, reinforcing Altus Power’s commitment to delivering clean and affordable electricity across the country.
A Step Toward Sustainability
The Blue Sport Stable sports facility, a 186,000-square-foot multi-surface complex, will now operate with a significant portion of its energy needs supplied by renewable sources. This transition to solar energy is expected to bring about several environmental and economic benefits. By leveraging the power of the sun, Blue Sport Stable will substantially reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuel-generated electricity, which has long been a primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Altus Power, the rooftop solar array will lead to a reduction of approximately 1,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually. Over the lifespan of the project, this figure is expected to exceed 49,000 metric tons, a milestone that underscores the environmental impact of solar energy in mitigating climate change. By shifting towards renewable energy, facilities like Blue Sport Stable are setting an example for other commercial and recreational establishments to explore sustainable alternatives.
Altus Power’s Commitment to Clean Energy
Brett Phillips, Director of Investments & Structured Finance at Altus Power, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this new venture, emphasizing the positive impact such projects bring to local businesses and communities. “Altus is thrilled to partner with Blue Sport Stable to energize our latest solar project in Colorado as part of our commitment to deliver clean, affordable, long-term power to local businesses,” said Phillips. He further highlighted that projects like these not only reduce energy costs for businesses but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
This project is part of the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program, an initiative designed to encourage the adoption of solar power by offering financial incentives to businesses and homeowners who install photovoltaic systems. By participating in this program, Altus Power is not only expanding its footprint in Colorado but also supporting statewide efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Economic Benefits for Blue Sport Stable
One of the most compelling reasons for businesses to transition to solar energy is the potential for significant cost savings. The Blue Sport Stable facility, which hosts a variety of sporting activities and events, has a high energy demand, particularly due to its ice rinks, which require substantial amounts of electricity for cooling. Other facilities within the complex, such as basketball courts, pickleball courts, and turf fields, also contribute to the overall energy consumption.
By integrating solar power, the facility is expected to cut its annual energy costs by an estimated 50% to 70% over the next three decades. Luke Taylor, Managing Member of Blue Sport Stable, emphasized the importance of this partnership with Altus Power, noting that the transition to solar power will not only provide financial relief but also reduce the facility’s carbon footprint. “Sports facilities, especially ice rinks, use a significant amount of power, and our partnership with Altus Power will enable us to reduce our annual energy costs by 50% to 70% over the next thirty years, all while reducing our carbon footprint by switching from fossil fuels to sustainable green energy,” Taylor stated.
The economic advantages extend beyond the facility itself. By reducing operational costs, Blue Sport Stable may have the opportunity to reinvest these savings into other aspects of the business, such as facility upgrades, enhanced programming, or improved customer experiences. Additionally, businesses that adopt solar power can benefit from tax credits and other financial incentives offered at both state and federal levels, further enhancing the overall return on investment.
The Growing Footprint of Altus Power
Altus Power has a well-established presence in the renewable energy sector, with a portfolio that spans across 25 states. The company specializes in commercial-scale solar solutions, offering end-to-end services that encompass project development, financing, installation, and long-term management. Their business model focuses on generating clean electric power near the point of consumption, thereby reducing the need for extensive transmission infrastructure and minimizing energy loss during distribution.
Through projects like the one at Blue Sport Stable, Altus Power continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s clean energy transition. The company’s approach prioritizes long-term partnerships with businesses, municipalities, and institutions that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. By tailoring solar energy solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, Altus Power ensures that businesses can seamlessly integrate renewable energy into their operations without disrupting their core functions.
Environmental Impact and Future Implications
The environmental benefits of solar energy adoption extend far beyond immediate cost savings. The reduction of 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year translates to the equivalent of removing hundreds of gasoline-powered vehicles from the road annually. Over the course of its expected lifespan, the solar project at Blue Sport Stable will prevent over 49,000 metric tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. This level of impact is instrumental in advancing sustainability goals and addressing the broader challenge of climate change.
Beyond environmental considerations, the project also underscores the increasing viability of solar energy for commercial applications. Businesses across various industries are recognizing the long-term advantages of renewable energy, from reduced operational expenses to enhanced corporate social responsibility. As more enterprises take steps toward sustainability, the cumulative effect could drive substantial progress toward national and global clean energy targets.
The success of this project may also encourage similar sports facilities and recreational centers to explore renewable energy options. Given the high energy consumption of such facilities, solar power presents an attractive solution to mitigate rising electricity costs while simultaneously contributing to environmental preservation. If more establishments follow suit, the collective impact on energy consumption and carbon emissions could be profound.
