Photo by Stetson Tchividjian, D3Energy, on LinkedIn
Ameresco celebrated the completion of Utah’s first floating solar array at the end of September, developed in partnership with Mountain Regional Water Special Service District. The floating solar project, located on a holding pond at the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant, was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Ameresco, Mountain Regional Water and Rocky Mountain Power.
Ameresco partnered with D3Energy to develop the 587.5-kW floating solar array, supported by a $400,000 grant from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Award program. By providing electricity directly to the water treatment plant, the system will offset 92% of the plant’s grid energy consumption and reduce energy costs by 80%.
“This floating solar array demonstrates the benefit of thinking beyond conventional approaches,” said Lou Maltezos, executive VP of Ameresco. “The notion that solar panels must be installed on land is an unnecessary limitation. By reconsidering their placement, we unlock new opportunities for sustainability. The District isn’t just implementing solar energy for its own sake — they are deeply invested in the economic aspects of this project. This first-ever floating solar array in Utah is both innovative and economically feasible, making it a prime example of sustainable development.”
The floating solar array efficiently uses available water surfaces to generate renewable energy, providing an ideal solution for maximizing energy production without impacting land resources.
“Traditional ground or rooftop solar wasn’t an option for us at this facility, but this innovative floating solar installation makes use of an untapped resource,” said Chris Braun, Mountain Regional chief technology officer. “This is one more piece of the puzzle for us to get to a ‘Net-Zero’ energy goal as we strive to be responsible stewards for the community and the environment.”
The project was completed ahead of schedule, with construction finalized by September 10, 2024, and commissioning completed on September 20. Full utility permission to operate is expected by October 23, 2024.
Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program awarded this project to the Mountain Regional Water Service District as one of a dozen community-based renewable energy projects awarded in 2023. Blue Sky is an opt-in program that gives Rocky Mountain Power customers the option to match all or part of their energy use with renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprints and driving demand for new renewable energy in the West. Since 2006, Blue Sky program participants have helped fund over 216 new, community-based renewable energy projects in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming communities.
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