Pronghorn Solar Park

The Pronghorn solar park will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames that are installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the Project site will be fenced for security and safety. Vegetative screening will be implemented at various locations to enhance the visual appeal of the site.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules capture energy from the sun and produce direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity flows to electrical inverters where it is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity is then combined and transformed to the electrical grid’s voltage at the project substation, where it connects to the utility’s system and is sold to the market.

Photovoltaic modules are designed to absorb sunlight, not reflect it. The amount of sunlight the modules absorb correlates directly to the amount of electricity produced, thus modules are designed to absorb maximum amounts of sunlight and minimize reflection. In fact, typical solar module glass is constructed with anti-reflective coatings. Solar facilities produce minimal noise as they do not contain large mechanical components. We design our facilities so that any increase in noise from operation is negligible at neighboring properties.

The 1041 process provides state and local government authorities power to “identify, designate, and regulate areas and activities of state interest through a local permitting process” (Colorado Department of Local Affairs). In this case, it provides Pueblo County the opportunity to enact a thorough land use review and approval process. Pronghorn’s 1041 application includes review and disclosure of potential environmental and social impacts, as well as compliance with the Pueblo County approval criteria or guidelines.

Prior to submitting a 1041 permit application to Pueblo County, we solicited feedback from the local community through an open-house event. Feedback we received as part of that event was included in the 1041 permit application. After the County deems Pronghorn’s submitted 1041 permit application as complete, the County will set a date, time, and place for a hearing on the application. The County will publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the County, not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the date set for the hearing.

The County will then conduct a hearing and hear testimony/receive comments regarding the Project. In order for permit applicants to engage in 1041 activities, the proposed development must comply with and meet the standards of all the provisions of the regulations governing it. The County will typically reach a permit decision within 90-days of the conclusion of the hearing. The 1041 process typically takes 4-to-6 months to complete, after an application is submitted and deemed complete.

Information on Pronghorn’s open-house event and Pueblo County hearing are posted to the Community Open House section of this webpage.

The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last much longer.

Pronghorn will be responsible for maintaining the Pronghorn Solar Park property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management occurs on the Project site. We also implement vegetation management plans and construction best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and manage overgrowth and invasive plant species. As part of the development process, Pueblo County will review our vegetation management plan, which includes noxious weed management.

Safety is our number one priority. We manage our projects with the utmost regard for safety, sustainability, and long-term growth. Extensive employee and contractor training is required to meet our safety program standards, and our entire team, starting with our executives, makes a daily commitment to a safe work environment.

As part of Pronghorn’s 1041 permit application, the County will review the Project design. The Pueblo Rural Fire Protection District will also have the opportunity to review and comments on the Project. Pronghorn’s design includes setbacks for safety, and access roads sized to accommodate emergency response vehicles, with sufficient turnaround space for these vehicles.

Through careful engineering design and strict adherence to safety standards, solar projects pose minimal health and safety risks.

At the end of the life of the Project, Pronghorn will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use (rangeland). As part of the 1041 review process, the County will review Pronghorn’s proposed decommissioning plan to ensure that ample considerations and funding are provided for when the life of the Project is over.

Construction of the solar park will bring new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.

Once the Project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout the life of the Project, it will not burden Pueblo County services and utilities. The Project will, however, contribute significant property taxes to the community and provide clean energy to the greater Colorado area.

For more detailed information about this project, please email pronghorninfo@pronghornsolar.com, call (719) 299-0544, or fill out the form below.