Photo: More than 500,000 solar panels have been installed at the Black Hollow solar project.
This story by Allen Best appeared on BigPivots.com on March 25, 2026.
The final solar panel — one of more than 500,000 — has been installed at the Black Hollow Sun complex. This solar array is located near Severance, about 20 miles east of Fort Collins. Once fully operational later this year, the complex will be northern Colorado’s largest solar project. The first phase has 150 megawatts of capacity. The second phase now being completed has 107 MW, for a total of 257 megawatts.
Platte River Power Authority — which provides power for Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont and Loveland — will be the recipient of this electricity via a 20-year power purchase agreement. The output, according to Contour Global, the solar developer, will be sufficient to power more than 73,000 homes and businesses.
“This project is essential to advancing the non-carbon energy goals of our owner communities, and reaching this milestone reflects more than seven years of dedication from our project team,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager of CEO of Platte River.
“Since launching the project in 2019, we’ve overcome significant challenges — from the pandemic and related delays to supply chain disruptions and inflation.”
This generation from Black Hollow Sun will represent 20% of the total annual demand of Plattte River’s four member communities.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following excerpt came from a press release came from Platte River Power Authority.
A central pillar of the project is its U.S.-based construction and equipment supply chain, supported by Qcells as construction partner and module provider, supplying more than 500,000 advanced solar panels including those assembled at its US-based facilities.
Equally important has been the project’s close integration with the local community. ContourGlobal has worked with the Town of Severance, Weld County officials, and local residents to align development with community priorities, while ongoing collaboration with PRPA has ensured coordinated milestones and long-term regional benefits.
Allen Best publishes the e-journal Big Pivots, which chronicles the energy transition in Colorado and beyond.