Pivot Energy Constructing 5-MW Off-Site Solar to Benefit UC Boulder Campus Through Net Metering

The University of Colorado campus in Boulder will benefit directly from a new solar farm even though it’s located about 50 miles away.

UC Boulder and independent power producer Pivot Energy broke ground earlier this month on a 5-MW direct-current solar project in Weld County, Colorado. The university has signed a 20-year subscription agreement under the state’s virtual net metering program, made possible by Senate Bill 21-261 several years ago.

Under the agreement, the Pivot Energy solar project will connect directly to the main grid, while UC Boulder’s subscription allows it to receive credits for renewable energy generated and offset its own electricity usage. Pivot Energy will develop, own and operate the solar farm.

"This partnership with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how CU Boulder is leading with purpose," said University Chancellor Justin Schwartz in a statement. "We're not just talking about sustainability—we’re building it into the fabric of our operations in ways that are both financially responsible and environmentally impactful."

The Weld County solar farm, once completed, could produce approximately 9.5 million kWh of electricity per year; this is equivalent to energy demand for more than 850 homes. The project will include about 8,000 solar panels, and about 100 sheep will graze around the land holding the installation, according to reports.

Pivot Energy expects to start construction soon and complete the Weld County solar farm by early 2026.

"This is a win-win for both Colorado's largest university and Pivot—helping CU Boulder reach its renewable energy goals, and Pivot accelerate the shift to solar energy throughout the nation,” Mat Elmore, senior vice president of strategic accounts at Pivot Energy, said.

Pivot Energy has specialized in agrivoltaics, which combines solar farms and livestock grazing together. Angie Burke, the company’s director of operations and maintenance, last year was named North American Agrivoltaics Champion of the Year Award winner.

Pivot Energy is owned by investment firm Energy Capital Partners.