Overview
Escalante Solar III LLC is an 80 MW solar PV facility in Utah, USA, owned by Dominion Renewable Energy. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Escalante Solar III LLC is an operational solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Utah, United States. With a capacity of 80 megawatts (MW), it represents a medium-scale solar installation within the state's growing renewable energy portfolio. The facility is owned by Dominion Renewable Energy, a major player in the U.S. renewable energy sector. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Utah has a voluntary RPS goal, and solar projects like Escalante Solar III benefit from federal investment tax credits (ITC) and net metering policies. The plant uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity for the grid. Escalante Solar III plays a role in diversifying Utah's energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By generating clean electricity, it helps offset fossil fuel-based power and supports grid stability. The facility's location in the arid West benefits from high solar irradiance, maximizing energy production. Its operational status ensures ongoing contribution to regional renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a high-desert region of Utah, characterized by abundant sunlight and low precipitation, ideal for solar energy generation. Solar PV installations like this have minimal water usage and no air emissions during operation, but they require significant land area, which can impact local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Proper siting and mitigation measures are important to minimize land-use conflicts.
Frequently asked questions
Escalante Solar III LLC is located in Utah, United States, at coordinates 38.4978° N, -112.9869° W.
Escalante Solar III has a capacity of 80 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Escalante Solar III is owned by Dominion Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy that focuses on renewable energy projects.
Solar energy in the U.S. is supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides tax credits, and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that mandate renewable energy adoption.
Solar PV generation produces no direct emissions or water use during operation, but requires land for installation, which can affect local habitats. Proper siting and recycling of panels can mitigate environmental impacts.