SunPower and Xcel Energy have completed and commissioned the 19MW Greater Sandhill solar power plant in Colorado’s Alamosa County. Utilizing SunPower’s Tracker system, the PV power plant began to produce electricity at the end of December 2010.
“Xcel Energy is pleased to provide solar energy from Greater Sandhill to our customers and eagerly anticipates adding more solar power in the San Luis Valley in the near future. This shows Xcel Energy's commitment to working in the Valley to bring clean renewable energy to Xcel Energy customers throughout the state,” said Tom Imbler, vice president, commercial operations for Xcel Energy. “Our partnership with SunPower is vital in reaching our renewable energy goals at a reasonable cost to our customers.”
Additionally, SunPower announced that construction of its San Luis Valley Solar Ranch; a 30MW solar PV plant in Alamosa County, begun in December 2010 and should reach full operation by the end of this year.