Large solar project proposed in southwest Colorado

A Chicago-based renewable energy company has submitted a bid to build a $127 million solar project in southwest Colorado.

The Cortez Journal reports Invenergy’s proposed project near Pleasant View would sit on 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of private land and would generate 127 megawatts, enough to power 32,000 homes. More than 100,000 panels would provide power for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.

Montezuma County has been actively courting solar companies, creating a map showing ideal locations based on sun, geography and access to electrical substations and transmission lines.

Selection of a winning bid by Tri-State is expected to be announced later this year, and if chosen, the Invenergy project is expected to be completed by 2023.