Hesperus Solar
The Hesperus Solar Project is an 155 MWac solar + 155 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project currently under development eight miles southwest of Durango, Colorado.
Primergy is working closely with local leaders to align the project with community priorities. The project would generate clean, affordable energy, create local jobs, and is expected to generate significant local tax revenue that would benefit the Durango School District and Ft. Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District, among others.
Portfolio Highlights
Project Overview
The project benefits
Land Use
Hesperus Solar will include a low-impact solar facility, a battery energy storage system, and electrical infrastructure. Land not owned by the project will remain under local ownership, with annual lease payments benefiting local landowners. Primergy will partner with a vegetation management specialist to develop a vegetation and maintenance plan that considers soil health, native vegetation, and land stewardship. Ecologically suitable plants and native seed mixes will be used for revegetation of temporarily impacted areas, and the land will be maintained throughout operations.
Job Creation and Professional Development
Hesperus Solar is expected to generate an annual average of 135 full-time equivalent jobs in La Plata County during construction. Primergy prioritizes hiring local workers and utilizing regional vendors whenever possible to bolster the local economy. Solar projects, such as Hesperus Solar, will create opportunities for professional development, including local recruitment and on-the-job training.
Cleaner Energy and Reliability
Hesperus Solar is anticipated to generate enough solar power to supply reliable energy to approximately 56,000 homes at peak output. The battery energy storage system (BESS) will provide a dispatchable energy resource designed to support Colorado during peak energy demand and help stabilize the grid.
Ongoing Community Engagement
Primergy is committed to engaging with the surrounding community to ensure the project is designed with local priorities in mind. This includes hosting public meetings and open forums to gather feedback, address concerns, and collaborate with local organizations and leaders to identify opportunities to provide community benefits. Primergy is also conducting field surveys and discussions to understand local needs and explore opportunities for workforce development, educational programs, and environmental stewardship. Primergy aims to create a project that aligns with community values while delivering lasting benefits to the region.
Community Impact
Latest Project News
FAQ
Project construction is expected to begin in 2028. Timing may change based on a variety of factors, including permitting, availability of materials, and electricity-offtake arrangements. The project will take between 14-20 months to construct and begin delivering clean, low-cost solar energy.
Viewshed may be affected from certain vantage points, and Primergy is working to minimize the visibility of the project through design and vegetation management. The site uses natural topography and vegetation as buffers, and the panels have anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare.
Primergy appreciates your questions and comments. Please email Hesperus@primergysolar.com and we will get back to you!