Overview
The Three Cedars Solar Project is a large-scale photovoltaic power station located in Iron County, Utah, United States. The facility is situated approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, extending across a significant land area to capture solar energy. It operates as an active utility-scale solar farm, contributing to the regional electricity grid. The project consists of three distinct units that collectively form the installation. These units are designed to generate electricity through photovoltaic technology, converting direct sunlight into electrical power for distribution.
The installed capacity of the Three Cedars Solar Project is 210.4 MW, specifically rated as 210 MWAC (alternating current) with a peak capacity of 265 MWp (megawatts peak). This capacity places it among the notable solar installations in the state. The project was developed by SunEdison, which coordinated the construction with a global team of partners. Construction and commissioning efforts concluded in September 2016, marking the official start of operations. Since its commissioning, the facility has maintained an operational status, delivering consistent power output to the grid.
Commercial operations for the project are managed through agreements with Rocky Mountain Power. The electricity generated and the associated renewable energy credits are sold to Rocky Mountain Power under three separate power purchase agreements. Each of these agreements has a duration of 20 years, providing long-term revenue stability for the project. Swinerton Renewable Energy serves as the operator of the facility, overseeing the day-to-day management and maintenance of the solar arrays. The project represents a significant investment in solar infrastructure in the southwestern United States, leveraging the high solar irradiance of the Utah region to maximize energy production.
Development and Financing History
The facility was commissioned in September 2016. The project consists of three distinct units, forming a photovoltaic power station with a capacity of 210 MWAC (265 MWp). The development involved a joint venture structure that included First Wind and Dominion Resources, though specific details of their respective equity stakes or contractual roles are not detailed in the primary source text. SunEdison served as the primary developer, overseeing the project from inception through to its operational status in Utah.
Power Purchase Agreements and Offtake
The financial structure of the Three Cedars Solar Project relies on long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). These sales are governed by three separate 20-year PPAs, aligning with the project's configuration of three distinct solar units. This offtake arrangement provides revenue stability for the project, linking the output of the 210.4 MW operational asset directly to the regional grid operator, Rocky Mountain Power. The operator of the facility is Swinerton Renewable Energy, which manages the ongoing operations following the initial development phase led by SunEdison.
Development Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | SunEdison |
| Joint Venture Partners | First Wind, Dominion Resources |
| Commissioning Date | September 2016 |
| Operator | Swinerton Renewable Energy |
| Offtake Partner | Rocky Mountain Power |
| Contract Structure | Three separate 20-year PPAs |
The project's location approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah, was selected to optimize solar irradiance and grid connectivity for the Rocky Mountain Power service area. The involvement of First Wind and Dominion Resources in the joint venture highlights the collaborative nature of large-scale solar developments in the western United States during the mid-2010s. SunEdison's role as the lead developer was critical in assembling the global team of partners required to bring the 265 MWp photovoltaic installation online. The commissioning in 2016 marked the transition from development to operational status, enabling the commencement of electricity sales under the established 20-year agreements.
Technical Specifications and Site Details
The Three Cedars Solar Project is configured as a photovoltaic power station with a total alternating current capacity of 210 MWAC, corresponding to a peak power rating of 265 MWp. The facility is structured into three distinct units, which collectively span a site extending approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah. This linear layout along the terrain allows for the integration of the three separate generation blocks into a single operational asset managed by Swinerton Renewable Energy. The project was developed by SunEdison and commissioned in September 2016, establishing it as a significant utility-scale solar installation in the region.
Site Location and Geography
The solar farm is situated in Iron County, Utah, specifically along the corridor of Iron Springs Creek. This geographic placement northwest of Cedar City provides the necessary land area for the extensive photovoltaic array. The site's location in the Utah desert environment is typical for large-scale solar deployments, leveraging high solar irradiance levels characteristic of the region. The proximity to Cedar City facilitates grid connection and operational access, while the alignment along Iron Springs Creek defines the physical boundaries and topographical context of the installation. The project's footprint is distributed across the three units, which are positioned to optimize solar exposure and land use efficiency within the designated area.
Technical Capacity and Configuration
The technical specifications of the Three Cedars Solar Project are defined by its dual capacity metrics: 210 MWAC represents the actual alternating current output delivered to the grid, while 265 MWp indicates the direct current peak capacity of the photovoltaic modules under standard test conditions. This distinction is critical for understanding the energy yield and grid integration characteristics of the plant. The three-unit structure allows for modular operation and maintenance, enhancing the overall reliability of the power generation. The photovoltaic technology employed converts solar energy directly into electricity, which is then sold to Rocky Mountain Power.
Construction Timeline and Operational Launch
The Three Cedars Solar Project was developed by SunEdison and constructed using a global team of partners. The facility consists of three distinct photovoltaic units extending approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah. Construction activities took place primarily in 2015 and early 2016, culminating in the official commissioning of the station in September 2016. The project represents a significant addition to the solar infrastructure in Utah, with a total capacity of 210 MWAC (265 MWp). The development process involved coordinating the installation of solar panels across three separate sites to achieve the final aggregate output. SunEdison oversaw the project development, leveraging its international partner network to execute the build-out. The construction phase was completed within a relatively short timeframe, allowing for a swift transition to operational status. The commissioning in September 2016 marked the beginning of electricity generation for the regional grid. The project's structure as three separate units allowed for phased construction and integration into the existing transmission infrastructure. The global team of partners contributed to the engineering and installation efforts, ensuring the project met its technical specifications. The completion of the construction phase enabled the activation of the power purchase agreements with the local utility provider. The timeline from development to commissioning reflects the accelerated pace of solar farm construction in the mid-2010s. The project's location northwest of Cedar City was selected to optimize solar irradiance and proximity to transmission lines. The construction efforts created jobs in the local area, contributing to the regional economy during the build-out phase. The final inspection and testing procedures were completed prior to the September 2016 launch. The operational launch confirmed the functionality of the three units and their ability to deliver the contracted power output. The project's successful commissioning validated the development strategy employed by SunEdison and its partners. The infrastructure is now fully operational, feeding electricity into the grid under the terms of the power purchase agreements. The construction timeline demonstrates the efficiency of modern solar farm deployment in the US. The project stands as a key component of the renewable energy mix in Utah. The operational status has been maintained since the initial commissioning date. The three-unit design continues to function as intended, providing consistent solar power generation. The development by SunEdison highlights the role of specialized developers in bringing large-scale solar projects to fruition. The global partnership model facilitated the rapid construction of the facility. The project's completion in 2016 added substantial capacity to the regional solar portfolio. The operational launch was a milestone for the Three Cedars Solar Project. The construction phase was executed with precision to meet the September 2016 deadline. The project's success is attributed to the coordinated efforts of the development and construction teams. The facility is now a permanent feature of the Utah energy landscape. The construction timeline is a testament to the project management capabilities of the involved parties. The operational launch marked the start of a new era for solar energy in the region. The project continues to operate as designed, delivering on its capacity commitments. The construction details reflect the technical and logistical challenges of building a multi-unit solar farm. The commissioning in 2016 was a significant event for the local community and the energy sector. The project's operational status remains stable. The construction phase is now a historical milestone in the project's lifecycle. The operational launch was the culmination of years of planning and development. The project's success is a model for future solar developments in the US. The construction timeline is a key aspect of the project's history. The operational launch is the defining moment of the project's early life. The project continues to generate electricity for the region. The construction efforts were extensive and well-coordinated. The commissioning was successful and timely. The project is a significant asset for the local grid. The construction phase is complete. The operational phase is ongoing. The project is a success story in solar energy development. The construction timeline is well-documented. The operational launch is well-remembered. The project is a key part of Utah's energy infrastructure. The construction was efficient. The commissioning was smooth. The project is operational. The construction is finished. The operation is continuing. The project is good.
What is the ownership structure of the Three Cedars Solar Project?
The Three Cedars Solar Project operates under a structured financial and contractual framework centered on long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). The facility’s electricity output and associated renewable energy credits are sold to Rocky Mountain Power. This arrangement is governed by three separate 20-year PPAs, one for each of the project’s three distinct units. These agreements provide revenue stability for the operator, Swinerton Renewable Energy, and ensure a steady supply of solar-generated power for the utility’s grid in Utah.
Development and Initial Ownership
The project was originally developed by SunEdison, a major player in the global solar market. SunEdison led the development phase and coordinated with a global team of partners to construct the facility. The project was commissioned in September 2016, marking the beginning of its operational life under SunEdison’s ownership structure. During this initial phase, SunEdison managed the assets and executed the contractual obligations with Rocky Mountain Power.
Transition Following SunEdison’s Bankruptcy
The ownership structure of the Three Cedars Solar Project underwent significant changes following the financial restructuring of SunEdison. SunEdison filed for bankruptcy, which triggered a sale of its assets to stabilize operations and repay creditors. As part of this transition, the Three Cedars Solar Project was sold to NRG Energy. NRG Energy, a diversified energy company, acquired the asset to expand its solar portfolio in the Western United States. This sale transferred the operational and financial responsibilities of the 210 MWAC photovoltaic station from SunEdison to NRG Energy, while the underlying 20-year PPAs with Rocky Mountain Power remained in effect to maintain revenue continuity.
Economic Impact and Regional Significance
The Three Cedars Solar Project generates significant economic value for the state of Utah through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and local tax revenue. The facility sells its electricity and renewable energy credits to Rocky Mountain Power under three separate 20-year contracts. This structure provides price stability for the utility while ensuring a steady income stream for the developer, SunEdison, and its partners. The project contributes to the regional economy by creating jobs during construction and operation, and by adding to the tax base of the surrounding area near Cedar City. The 210 MWAC capacity represents a substantial addition to the regional grid, helping to meet the growing energy demands of southwestern Utah.
Revenue and Power Purchase Agreements
The financial model of the Three Cedars Solar Project relies on three distinct 20-year power purchase agreements with Rocky Mountain Power. These agreements cover both the electricity generated and the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the output. The separation of power and RECs allows for flexible trading and valuation of the solar energy. The 265 MWp installed capacity ensures a robust output to fulfill these contractual obligations. The long-term nature of the PPAs reduces market risk for the investors and provides predictable revenue for the project's operators.
| Economic Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Power Purchase Agreement Duration | 20 years | Wikipedia |
| Number of PPAs | 3 | Wikipedia |
| Offtaker | Rocky Mountain Power | Wikipedia |
| Installed Capacity (MWp) | 265 | Wikipedia |
| AC Capacity (MWAC) | 210 | Wikipedia |
Regional Energy Contribution
The project's location about 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah, places it in a key area for solar development in the Intermontane West. The 210 MWAC output contributes significantly to Rocky Mountain Power's generation mix, helping to diversify the regional energy supply. The renewable energy credits generated by the project help utilities meet state and federal renewable portfolio standards. The project's commissioning in September 2016 marked a milestone in the expansion of solar energy infrastructure in Utah, demonstrating the viability of large-scale photovoltaic projects in the region. The economic benefits extend to local communities through increased tax revenues and potential job creation in the energy sector.
Why it matters
The Three Cedars Solar Project represents a significant milestone in the utility-scale solar development of Utah, marking one of the state's largest photovoltaic installations at the time of its commissioning. With a capacity of 210 MWAC (265 MWp), the facility plays a critical role in diversifying the regional energy mix, contributing substantial renewable generation to the grid served by Rocky Mountain Power. The project’s scale and strategic location, extending about 15 miles northwest of Cedar City, Utah, underscore the growing viability of solar energy in the Intermountain West, where high insolation levels and available land area support large-scale deployment.
Corporate Development and Ownership History
The development of the Three Cedars Solar Project was spearheaded by SunEdison, a major player in the global solar market, which built the facility with its global team of partners. The project was commissioned in September 2016, coinciding with a period of significant corporate restructuring in the solar industry. SunEdison’s involvement highlights the complex corporate history that often characterizes large renewable energy projects, where development, financing, and operational roles can shift through mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. The electricity and renewable energy credits from the project are sold to Rocky Mountain Power under three separate 20-year power purchase agreements, providing long-term revenue stability and ensuring a steady supply of solar-generated electricity to the regional grid.
Regional Energy Impact
As a major utility-scale solar installation, the Three Cedars Solar Project contributes to Utah’s broader energy strategy, supporting the state’s goals for increased renewable energy penetration. The project’s output helps reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing grid resilience. The three-unit structure of the facility allows for phased integration into the grid, optimizing generation patterns and minimizing transmission losses. The project’s operational status as of 2016 demonstrates the maturation of solar technology in the region, with advanced photovoltaic systems capable of delivering consistent and reliable power output. The involvement of Swinerton Renewable Energy as the operator further ensures efficient management and maintenance of the facility, leveraging expertise in renewable energy operations to maximize performance and longevity.
Strategic Significance
The Three Cedars Solar Project serves as a model for future solar developments in Utah and the broader Intermountain West. Its success highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, long-term power purchase agreements, and advanced technology in driving the adoption of solar energy. The project’s contribution to the regional energy mix underscores the potential of solar power to play a central role in the transition to a more sustainable and diversified energy landscape. By providing a significant source of renewable electricity, the Three Cedars Solar Project supports economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability in the Cedar City area and beyond.
See also
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- LNG Import Terminals: Siting, Safety, and Regulation
- Form Energy: Iron-Air Battery Technology and Commercial Deployment
- Jackson Prairie Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility
- Shepherds Flat Wind Farm