Utah’s first floating solar project proves that innovation doesn’t just happen in tech hubs. It’s making waves at 7,000 feet of elevation near Park City, one of America’s premier skiing destinations. It was inspired by a similar project constructed by GRID Alternatives in Walden, Colorado, demonstrating that this technology could handle snow and wind.
Energy solutions company Ameresco and floating solar developer D3Energy completed the 587.5-kilowatt (KW) solar array with 1,078 solar panels in September 2024 for the Mountain Regional Water Special Service District. The project, floating on a pond at the Signal Hill Water Treatment Plant, delivers substantial economic benefits to the local community. Supported by a $400,000 grant from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Award program, it demonstrates how clean energy investments can create jobs while lowering costs.
As Lou Maltezos, executive vice president of Ameresco, described, “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.”
Utah-based contractors gained valuable experience through the project. Ameresco and D3Energy hired local solar contractor Apollo Energy to assist with construction, providing training in this specialized area of solar installation.
Beyond direct construction jobs, the project represents a growing trend in innovative renewable energy solutions that create long-term economic opportunities. Daniel Hunter, senior business development manager at Ameresco, noted that despite being a first-of-its-kind installation in Utah, the project received minimal pushback and sailed smoothly through permitting.
Video Courtesy Apollo Energy
The project occupies just one acre of water surface compared to the three acres that would have been required for a land-based installation. This is especially significant due to the value of land in Park City, “both in cost and its contribution to the natural beauty of the place,” Solar Power World explains. It also reduces plant growth and water evaporation in the pond. This efficient use of space preserves natural landscapes while generating renewable energy – a win-win for the economy and the environment.
“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. 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,” said Chris Braun, chief technology officer at Mountain Regional Water.
The floating solar array will generate approximately 871,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy per year, reducing carbon emissions by 609 metric tons annually, the same amount generated by burning 670,649 pounds of coal. The project will offset 92% of the water treatment plant’s grid energy consumption and cut energy costs by 80%. These savings translate to approximately $76,000 annually for water district ratepayers.
With its environmental benefits, job creation potential, and significant cost savings, Utah’s floating solar project demonstrates how clean energy can deliver practical, economic benefits for communities – even those better known for skiing than solar power. “Typically, people don’t look at your pond and think, ‘This is a great solar opportunity.’ But hopefully this project gives people that idea,” Hunter reminisced.
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