Pivot Energy and the University of Denver (DU) are partnering to construct on-campus solar facilities and off-site net-metering solar projects, totaling over 23 MWDC.
Solar field installation located in Palisade, Colorado. Credit: Pivot Energy
DU will utilize renewable energy generated by solar installations owned and operated by Pivot Energy, allowing the university to offset total campus electricity consumption with clean solar power, helping pave the way to its carbon neutrality goal. In 2008 DU was one of the first universities to join the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to reach carbon neutrality. To date, fewer than 24 colleges and universities have achieved carbon neutrality.
Pivot Energy will develop seven projects in total. The 1.2-MW on-site solar system will be located on the Ritchie Center, increasing on-site clean energy to 10% of the university’s energy consumption. This is an expansion of DU’s 2019 solar installation project with Pivot on 18 different buildings that totaled 2.2 MW.
In addition, there will be six off-site net metering solar projects totaling 22.2 MW that will produce enough clean energy to eliminate 100% of scope two greenhouse gas emissions enabling DU to reduce half of its carbon footprint. The projects will be located in Larimer, Adams, Mesa and Weld Counties and will take 24-36 months to complete. Afterwards, they will be used for student learning to provide additional pathways to advance the clean energy workforce of the future.
“The university’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality will be achieved through our relentless determination to build a better world and a better future for our students,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “When I was inaugurated chancellor at DU, I made the pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. I’m thrilled to continue our partnership with Pivot Energy to work towards achieving this goal.”
“Pivot Energy is thrilled to continue its partnership with DU to help advance their clean energy goal,” says Mat Elmore, SVP of Strategic Accounts at Pivot Energy. “By utilizing on-campus solar installations and off-site net metering solar projects, DU is establishing itself as a higher education institution leading the way in sustainability and advancing the clean energy workforce.”
In 2021, legislative leaders, including Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, passed Senate Bill 261, which created an off-site net metering program to enable more flexible access for customers interested in installing solar to offset their energy use.
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