By Saturn Power and UPower have started construction a 7.5MW portfolio of seven distribution-connected ground mount solar projects to support the territories of five electricity cooperatives in central and western Texas.
Saturn Power and UPower support these cooperatives in delivering emission-free renewable energy to people in their respective communities while also generating significant cost savings by reducing their transmission providers’ demand charges and capacity-generation fees.
The electricity generated will be sold via individual 20-year power purchase agreements with the cooperatives including PenTex Power, Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative, Comanche County Electric Cooperative, Bartlett Electric Cooperative and South Plains Electric Cooperative.
Project sizes range from 500KW to 1.4MW.
Saturn Power was given the opportunity to develop this solar portfolio through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process administered by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) on behalf of several Texas Electric Cooperatives.
The Saturn team designed, built, and permitted the Notice to Proceed (NTP) project stage, and then engaged local Texas developer UPower to take over the portfolio through financing, development, and long-term ownership and operation.
“Saturn Power is thrilled to be working with UPower in order to bring this exciting portfolio to fruition. When looking for a local partner to take ownership of the projects, Saturn sought out a company who shared our values and vision, with UPower being an evident match from the beginning.”
Doug Wagner, CEO for Saturn Power.
“Rocky Mountain Institute was honored to work with all parties involved in making affordable, clean, and local energy a reality in Texas. Co-ops power over half of the U.S. landmass, and their independent structures allow them to be true innovators. The Cooperatives that are part of this deal are showing leadership, locally and nationally.”
ason Prince, Manager at RMI.
“This partnership amongst developers and cooperatives is a testament to the value of the cooperative business model. As individual cooperatives, we understood our member’s desire for renewable energy, and by working cooperatively, we were able to leverage our purchasing power to bring this project to fruition.”
Brandon Young, general manager at Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative.
“Our new PenTex Energy SolarOne project will provide a renewable energy product, through our existing distribution lines, directly to our members. One third of the businesses considering a relocation to our area and the nearby industrial park, which is served by PenTex Energy, preferred to build and operate in an area where renewable power is available and we are excited to provide that through this project.”
John Walterscheid, PenTex Energy management adviser.
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