US-based Rocky Mountain Power will build a new solar farm in Utah that would supply electricity to 500 homes.
The company will install about 9,000 panels at the project, which will be partially funded by the company’s Blue Sky programme.
Utah solar farm project will represent the company’s first Blue Sky solar project that would provide renewable energy for all Rocky Mountain Power customers in the region.
Rocky Mountain Power president Richard Walje said it is the first utility-sized solar project to be funded in part by Blue Sky customers.
"We are committed to providing a bright energy future to customers by bringing them even more renewable energy choices," Walje added.
Rocky Mountain is planning to conduct feasibility studies to determine an exact location for the project, while it is also looking at other company-owned sites in order to reduce the invetsmenst and also increase production by an estimated 15% to 20%.
Subjected to approval of the Utah Public Service Commission, the solar project is expected to start operations in June 2016 with an initial production capacity of 2MW that will be increased to 5MW in further stages.
The company is also planning to call tenders for the construction of the project and also lease the facility to receive federal tax benefits.
Image: Rocky Mountain Power to build a new solar farm in Utah. Photo: Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Power.