Solar developer Standard Solar has acquired the Wheeler Gulch Solar Project from Caerus Piceance. The 12.18-MW ground-mounted solar array, developed by Caerus Piceance, advances the incorporation of renewable energy into Colorado’s oil and gas sector and is one of the state’s largest behind-meter solar installations.
Now owned and operated by Standard Solar, the project is expected to produce energy that directly supports Caerus Piceance’s Middle Fork compressor station, targeting more stable electricity costs and a reduction in its dependence on the traditional power grid.
“Our partnership with Caerus Piceance on the Wheeler Gulch Solar Project represents our shared commitment to expanding the use of renewable energy in traditionally fossil-fuel-dependent sectors,” said Mike Streams, chief development officer and general counsel for Standard Solar. “The speed and seamlessness of this transaction underscore the strong collaboration between our teams, benefiting both parties and ensuring the timely advancement of this critical project.”
The Wheeler Gulch Solar Project spans 44 acres in Garfield County, Colorado. Previously home to holding ponds and an access road, the site is now expected to produce approximately 25 million kW-hr of clean, renewable electricity each year. The project, consisting of approximately 22,000 solar panels, will be integrated with the Xcel Energy grid, with all generated power used on-site for Caerus’ operations. Its completion is anticipated by the end of the year.
“This project was initiated to lock in the cost of a portion of Caerus Piceances’s energy requirement for decades and displace coal-fired electricity from the grid with clean solar power,” said Dave Keyte, CEO of Caerus Piceance.
“We selected Standard Solar to partner on this project due to their vast experience in similar projects and their speed and skill shown in being able to take over and timely complete the project,” added Jeter Thomas, president of Caerus Piceance.
Upon completion, the Wheeler Gulch Solar Project is expected to produce enough energy to power approximately 2,200 average American homes annually.
“By repurposing land previously used for oil and gas operations, we are decarbonizing traditional fossil-fuel production into a beacon of sustainability,” said Megan Byrn, vice president of business development for Standard Solar.