Understanding Utility-Scale Solar Issue Brief Now Available

Falling costs, consumer demand for cleaner energy resources and changing policy incentives are driving utility-scale solar to be the fastest growing generation resource on the grid. CFC’s newly published issue brief is intended to serve as a guide for electric cooperative leaders who want to gain a deeper understanding of utility-scale solar. The issue brief focuses on the technology, market trends and the economics that are driving supply and demand as well as the outlook for the utility industry. The “Understanding Utility-Scale Solar” issue brief also includes an electric cooperative case study. 

The case study spotlights Utah-based Deseret Power, a generation and transmission electric cooperative that provides power to six distribution cooperative members across Utah, Wyoming and Nevada. Through their member cooperatives, Deseret owns 200 miles of transmission lines, has about 900 MW of generation capacity and serves 45,000 members. Deseret also sells surplus power to municipalities, power marketers and other wholesale electric systems. 

In 2022, Deseret invested in a 15 MW solar project with financing from CFC. It was able to overcome supply chain challenges and take advantage of federal tax credits to power Bonanza Solar 1. The solar array is located next to its key generation station, the Bonanza coal-fired power plant. The new solar plant went operational in 2023 and provides its distribution members with cheaper and cleaner energy during the summer months. Desert’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer share insights and key considerations for cooperatives looking to invest in solar.

To learn even more about the latest trends and developments in large-scale solar power, CFC members can watch a replay of the January 8 CFC Financial Series Webinar, “Advancements in Solar Power Generation.” In the webinar, CFC Senior Energy Analyst Alisha Pinto shares how utility-scale solar projects are transforming the energy landscape, providing sustainable and clean solutions for communities and businesses.