CU Boulder breaks ground on off-site solar array
Representatives from CU Boulder and Pivot Energy break ground on the new solar array in Weld County. Left to right: Brian Lindoerfer, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Management, CU Boulder; Chris Ewing, vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience, CU Boulder; Cara Carmichael, associate vice chancellor for sustainability, CU Boulder; Matt Brenn, director, Community Solar Subscriptions, Pivot Energy; Mat Elmore, senior vice president, Strategic Accounts, Pivot Energy; Isaiah Grayck, project manager, Pivot Energy
CU Boulder has broken ground on an off-site 5-megawatt solar array througha virtual net metering (VNEM) agreement with Pivot Energy that was initiated last year, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. The project site is on 23 acres of land in Weld County that is jointly leased by Pivot Energy and CU Boulder.
Thanks to thevirtual net metering agreement with Pivot Energy, this project will generate approximately 9.5 million kWh of clean energy annually—the equivalent amount of energy used across three of CU’s laboratory buildings (, SEEL and). Laid end-to-end, the project's approximate 8,000 solar panels are enough to fill four football fields.
“This partnership with Pivot Energy is a powerful example of how CU Boulder is leading with purpose,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “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.”
Colorado Senate Bill 21-26 made the VNEM program possible, enabling CU Boulder to benefit from the energy produced by off-site solar installations. The initiative is cost-neutral and supports CU’sClimate Action Plan (CAP), which outlines a path to carbon neutrality and responsible energy sourcing. The university will utilize solar power generated by the off-site net-metering solar project without needing to install solar on campus. The off-site solar project feeds directly into the electric grid, with CU Boulder receiving credits for the renewable energy produced on its electric bills. CU will transfer equivalent payments to Pivot that align with Xcel bill credits received.
“This project reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and climate action,” said Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. “It’s a bold step forward that shows how large institutions can lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact for the planet.”
Pivot Energy is a national leading renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, finances, builds, owns and operates solar and energy storage projects. Pivot offers a distributed energy platform that includes a range of services and software to serve the full solar ecosystem.
“Pivot Energy is proud to partner with the on this exciting milestone to start construction on this virtual net metering project,” said Mat Elmore, senior vice president of strategic accounts at Pivot Energy. “This is a win-win for both Colorado’s largest university and Pivot by helping CU Boulder reach its renewable energy goals, and Pivot advancing its mission to accelerate the shift to solar energy in communities throughout the nation."
The project broke ground on Aug. 5, 2025, and is expected to be complete in spring 2026.
Beyond the story
Our sustainability impact by the numbers:
- First student-run campus environmental center in the U.S.
- No. 11 university for environmental and social impact in the U.S.
- First zero-waste major sports stadium in the U.S.