United Power has partnered with Silicon Ranch to develop the 150 MW Byers Solar Farm in Adams County, Colorado. This project will expand United Power’s renewable energy portfolio and enhance local power generation.
United Power Advances Renewable Energy with Byers Solar Farm
United Power has signed a power purchase agreement to develop a 150 MW solar farm in Colorado. The Byers Solar Farm will be located in Adams County, about 10 miles northeast of Byers. This initiative is a collaboration with Silicon Ranch, a prominent independent power producer specializing in renewable energy.
As a member-owned electric cooperative, United Power is expanding its energy portfolio with the Byers Solar Farm. The project will enhance local energy generation and reduce dependence on external power sources, supporting the cooperative’s goal of building a varied power portfolio that cuts carbon emissions and ensures price stability.
United Power CEO Mark A. Gabriel highlighted the project’s significance, calling it a model for local energy production. He added that the collaboration with Silicon Ranch would enable the use of cutting-edge technology to improve site efficiency.
“Our partnership with Silicon Ranch allows us to build this project with the latest technology and development techniques to optimize the use of the site. Additionally, there are strong financial and environmental incentives for generating and delivering clean, renewable electricity locally,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.
Project Development and Sustainability
Silicon Ranch will oversee the construction, ownership, and operation of the Byers Solar Farm, while United Power has committed to purchasing all the energy the facility produces.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Silicon Ranch will also implement innovative land management techniques. This includes plans to pre-seed the land with short grass prairie before construction begins and potentially introduce managed sheep grazing under its Regenerative Energy® programme.
Silicon Ranch has implemented similar sustainability initiatives at other solar sites, such as the Mavericks Solar Farm, which also supplies energy to United Power. The companies have previously collaborated on four solar projects since 2014: Fort Lupton Solar (13 MW), Mavericks Solar (6.5 MW), Platteville Solar (16 MW), and Rattlesnake Solar (6 MW). Each project was designed with input from local communities and regulatory bodies to align with regional needs.
Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO Reagan Farr expressed his appreciation for the trust United Power has placed in the company. Highlighting the strong relationship between the organizations, he reaffirmed Silicon Ranch’s commitment to supporting local communities in northern Colorado.
“As we enter our second decade of partnership with United Power, Silicon Ranch looks forward to continuing our meaningful work together by collaborating to help make communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient here in northern Colorado,” said Reagan Farr, Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO.
The Byers Solar Farm is expected to contribute to regional economic development by creating jobs during its construction and ongoing operations. The project will also play a key role in sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions and fostering biodiversity.
A Partnership Driving Renewable Energy
United Power is continually expanding its renewable energy capabilities to meet increasing demand. The cooperative currently serves nearly 114,000 meters across a 900-square-mile service area, covering regions from Coal Creek’s mountainous terrain to the agricultural lands of Brighton and Hudson.
Silicon Ranch is among the largest independent power producers in the United States. The company manages a solar and battery storage portfolio exceeding seven gigawatts. By maintaining ownership and operation of its projects, Silicon Ranch ensures long-term reliability and environmental stewardship.
The Byers Solar Farm represents a significant step forward for Colorado’s renewable energy landscape. This project highlights the advantages of collaboration between electric cooperatives and independent power producers, exemplifying how large-scale solar energy can be efficiently harnessed while maintaining responsible land management practices.