CEC Solar #1117 LLC - 1.5 MW Solar PV Facility in Colorado, United States

CEC Solar #1117 LLC is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Colorado, United States, with an operational capacity of 1.5 MW. Owned by Clean Focus Renewables Inc., this small-scale solar installation supports local renewable energy generation. The facility is part of the broader expansion of solar energy in the U.S., driven by federal incentives like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). As a solar PV plant, it converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels. The 1.5 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, typical for community or commercial solar projects. Colorado's RPS requires investor-owned utilities to generate 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, with a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040, creating a favorable regulatory environment for such facilities. This facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying the local energy mix. Solar PV systems have minimal operational emissions and low water usage, making them environmentally beneficial. The plant's location in Colorado benefits from high solar irradiance, enhancing its energy yield. By feeding clean electricity into the grid, it supports regional energy independence and sustainability goals.

Colorado's semi-arid climate and high elevation provide excellent solar resource availability, with over 300 sunny days per year in many areas. Solar PV installations like this one have low environmental impact during operation, with no air emissions or water consumption. However, land use for solar farms can affect local ecosystems and wildlife, though this facility's small scale minimizes such impacts. The plant supports Colorado's transition to renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and associated emissions.