News Release: Riverside Re-Energizing March 2025
Posted on: Mar-24-2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025
Contact: Brian Tholl
Director, Energy Services
970-416-4326
Riverside Community Solar Site Re-energized
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Fort Collins Utilities have completed the repowering of the Riverside Community Solar Project. The solar array is situated on the northeast corner of Mulberry Street and Riverside Avenue and provides clean renewable energy into the Fort Collins electric grid.
The repowering project began with the unfortunate failure of a critical piece of customized equipment. The central inverter, which conditions all the power from the solar panels, was damaged by an electrical fault, preventing the panels from exporting power. Utilities staff immediately began evaluating options to re-energize the site. After exploring opportunities for repair, staff determined that a redesign of the inverter system would be most cost-effective and best mitigate the risk of any future technical problems. Namaste Solar Electric was selected to complete the design engineering and construction work. Now that construction work at the site is complete, the site is generating at its full capacity.
“We are excited about a new and even better design that will optimize energy production. Enhancing both production and reliability, as well as having a design that is more easily repaired if something does happen in the future, will only provide better outcomes for participants and the community as a whole.” said Brian Tholl, Energy Services Manager. “Community Solar is part of our strategy for our clean energy future, and we are thrilled to provide another step in that direction with the re-energization of this project.”
The site is important to contributing towards Fort Collins' Our Climate Future goal of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030 and 5% local renewable energy generation. When operational, the site generates the equivalent electricity to serve about 120 homes in Fort Collins annually. Approved by City Council in 2021, the Our Climate Future plan is the community sustainability guide and builds on a 20-year history of local climate action in Fort Collins.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.fcgov.com/community-solar
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