A utility-scale solar energy project can help transform local economies, which enhances the quality of life and opportunities in a community. Solar delivers affordable clean energy via predictable contracts that do not fluctuate over time.

The cost of installing a ground-mounted, utility scale solar project declined by 90% over the last 10 years. These declines, combined with an unlimited and abundant free fuel source, make solar financially competitive with conventional power plants. Utilities and large companies across the country are taking advantage of this to procure a long-term, fixed-price supply of electricity.

With millions of dollars in new tax revenue (or directed payments in lieu of taxes), communities can build new school facilities, enhance roads and bridges, and expand emergency services – all without increasing local taxes on property.

Blackwater Solar will generate long-term value for Roosevelt County, stimulating the local economy and supporting public services and the local workforce. The project will create construction jobs and provide ongoing operational support, boosting the local workforce.

With extensive experience in many different regions, Ørsted understands the importance of the land to our lease partners; land that, in many cases, has been owned by families for generations. By hosting a solar project on their property, landowners stand to gain: 

• Stable Income: Solar projects enable landowners to diversify their earnings through predictable, passive income from long-term lease payments. The extra income gives landowners the ability to invest back into their businesses and communities and can help individuals retire.
• Land Stewardship: Ørsted plants native grass mixes and vegetation below and around our solar arrays, preventing erosion and promoting site soil stability. 

Blackwater Solar is estimated to be in operation for approximately 30 years. At the end of the project’s life, Ørsted will restore the land to its original condition and ensure that all modules are properly decommissioned and recycled or reused. Ørsted has a global commitment to reuse or recycle all solar modules from our projects, with agreements in place in the United States with SOLARCYCLE and First Solar to recycle thin film and crystalline silicon modules.

Ørsted is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality standards for their solar systems, from development to decommissioning. They achieve this by: 

• Procuring solar panels from Tier 1 manufacturers that adhere to top quality standards.
• Sourcing materials and hiring locally whenever possible.
• Implementing construction standards that minimize environmental impact and promote land stewardship, such as using native grasses to stabilize soils and conserve habitats.
• Regularly deploying Operation & Maintenance staff to ensure site safety and peak performance.
• Monitoring systems 24/7 to track performance and proactively detect any maintenance needs.