University of Denver and Pivot Energy Complete Colorado’s First Off-Site Solar Project
Photo courtesy Pivot Energy
The University of Denver and Pivot Energy, a leading national renewable-energy provider headquartered in Denver, announced the successful completion of the state's first off-site net metering solar energy project.
The 3.28-megawatt direct current (MWdc) project in Johnstown, Colorado, started producing 100% local renewable energy earlier this month, a significant step forward in DU's commitment to offset 100% of its electricity with renewable energy.
Under the agreement announced in 2024, Pivot Energy is developing a portfolio of on-campus and off-site solar projects for DU, totaling more than 27 MWdc of renewable energy. This first off-site project delivers solar power virtually for DU facilities, supporting the University's progress toward achieving carbon neutrality. On January 13, representatives from Pivot, DU, and Xcel Energy (the local utility provider) celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon cutting.
The completed site is the first of six off-site projects—located in Adams, Mesa, and Weld counties—in DU's partnership with Pivot. The Johnstown project comprises about 7,000 solar panels, which is enough to power the equivalent of 760 average-sized homes. The solar projects also provide benefits to local landowners, offering 30-40 years of steady lease payments, and produce local property taxes for Weld County. The construction of the remaining five sites will be completed by 2027.
There are three goals for the off-site solar projects: to fully eliminate electricity emissions on the DU campus, lower operating costs, and meet city and state building performance standards.
“This is an exciting first step as we work towards achieving carbon neutrality at the University of Denver,” said Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “Our partnership with Pivot Energy has allowed us to expand the number of rooftop solar installations we have on campus as well as develop the off-site net metering projects across Colorado. This is our commitment to building a better world and a better future for our students.”
The project represents the first virtual net metering solar project to be completed in Colorado since the passage of Senate Bill 21-261, a landmark law that expanded access to off-site solar generation for customers with multiple meters or space constraints. The law enables organizations such as universities, businesses, and hospitals to receive bill credits for electricity generated by off-site solar projects, overcoming barriers that often limit the feasibility of on-site solar installations.
“Completing this solar project signals to institutions, corporations, and organizations across Colorado that access to cost savings and emission-reducing renewable energy is easier by locating solar projects off-site and receiving the benefits virtually,” said Mat Elmore, senior vice president for strategic accounts at Pivot Energy. “This milestone between Pivot Energy and the University of Denver demonstrates what's possible when innovative policy meets local leadership.”
“The University of Denver is pioneering the way toward a future powered by clean energy,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “This project lowers pollution, makes our community healthier, and demonstrates that Energize Denver is not only aspirational but achievable.”
As two Denver-based organizations, Pivot and the University of Denver view this completed off-site solar project as both a local success and a model for scalable, policy-enabled renewable energy solutions across Colorado and beyond.
