Expanding a partnership that spans over a decade, United Power and Silicon Ranch have announced a power purchase agreement for the development of the 150-megawatt (MW) Byers Solar Farm. Located in Adams County, Colorado, approximately 10 miles northeast of the town of Byers, this project marks the fifth and largest collaboration between the electric cooperative and the independent power producer, significantly scaling their joint commitment to renewable energy in the state.
United Power Teams with Silicon Ranch for 150MW Solar Farm: A New Milestone
The Byers Solar Farm represents a major step in United Power’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and increase local power generation following its transition away from a single wholesale power supplier in 2024. The cooperative, which serves nearly 114,000 meters across a 900-square-mile territory, will purchase all the electricity generated by the facility. This move is designed to enhance energy independence, ensure price stability, and reduce carbon emissions for its members.
Under the terms of the agreement, Silicon Ranch will finance, construct, own, and operate the solar farm. This long-term arrangement continues a successful model the two organizations have refined over four previous projects: Fort Lupton Solar (13 MW), Mavericks Solar (6.5 MW), Platteville Solar (16 MW), and Rattlesnake Solar (6 MW).
“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,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. He emphasized the strong financial and environmental incentives for generating clean, renewable electricity locally, calling the project a model for local energy production.
Integrating Agriculture and Solar Technology
A key feature of the Byers Solar Farm will be its focus on regenerative land use. Silicon Ranch, which manages a portfolio of over seven gigawatts of solar and battery storage, will implement its Regenerative Energy® program at the site. This approach integrates agriculture with solar power generation to create a dual-use landscape that benefits the local ecosystem.
Plans include pre-seeding the project area with native short grass prairie before construction begins. Following completion, Silicon Ranch intends to introduce managed sheep grazing to maintain the land, control vegetation, and improve soil health. This agrivoltaic model of combining solar energy production with agriculture fosters biodiversity and demonstrates responsible land stewardship.
Reagan Farr, Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch, reflected on the enduring collaboration. “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,” Farr said.
Strengthening Colorado’s Clean Energy Future
The Byers Solar Farm is expected to be a significant economic driver for the region, creating jobs during both the construction and operational phases. By substantially increasing the amount of locally sourced, carbon-free energy, the solar facility will play a critical role in advancing Colorado’s sustainability goals. This partnership exemplifies how electric cooperatives and independent power producers can collaborate to deliver large-scale clean energy solutions while supporting local communities and the environment.
Sources
- United Power and Silicon Ranch Expand Partnership with New 150 MW Byers Solar Farm
- Colorado electric coop to receive clean energy from agrivoltaic project
- Solar Builder Mag: Green Lantern brings solar to gravel pit in Vermont
- SolarQuarter: United Power And Silicon Ranch Join Forces For New 150 MW Byers Solar Farm
- PV-Tech: Silicon Ranch and United Power sign PPA for 150MW Colorado solar farm
- Renewable Energy Magazine: United Power and Silicon Ranch Expand Partnership
- United Power: 2025 A Year in Review
- United Power Press Release on Byers Solar Farm Partnership