The Oh Be Joyful Solar Project was recently completed near the entrance to Crested Butte. It can generate enough energy to power approximately 300 homes.

In partnership with the Towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, the Crested Butte South Property Owners Association, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and the Adaptive Sports Center, Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) recently announced the completion of solar construction of the Oh Be Joyful Solar Project, located near the entrance to Crested Butte by the Baxter’s Gulch trailhead. The project unites the goals of participating organizations in their shared commitment to offset their electric usage with locally produced clean energy.

The 1.125-megawatt solar project represents 1.7% of GCEA’s total energy supply and generates enough local renewable energy to power roughly 300 homes. Owned and operated by GCEA, the Oh Be Joyful Solar Project was designed and built with the help of solar developer Outshine Energy on land leased from the Town of Crested Butte. 

To make the project financially viable, GCEA will sell renewable energy credits (RECs) to its participating subscribers. Renewable energy credits (RECs) represent the environmental attributes of renewable power generation. Each REC equals one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of clean energy produced—effectively offsetting one kWh of electricity consumed from traditional sources.

The REC subscription helps cover the added cost of this solar project, preventing that expense from being passed on to all GCEA members through higher rates. GCEA’s Strategy Execution, Technology and Member Experience Manager Matt Feier, explained that “charging subscribers the standard rate structure for energy consumed, plus a 2.5 cent premium per kilowatt hour allows them to benefit from the RECs, achieve their clean energy goals and help reduce rate pressure for other GCEA members.”

The Town of Crested Butte expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion and its alignment with the town’s sustainability goals. Mayor Ian Billick notes, “I’m excited to see the Town of Crested Butte on the forefront of converting to renewable energy. As the push to export drives monthly natural gas bills higher, this is good for families as well as the planet.” 

The Town of Mt. Crested Butte signed on to purchase RECs in May and sees the solar project as an important step toward its climate action goals. “The Town of Mt. Crested Butte is excited to be a partner in the Oh Be Joyful Solar Garden to meet regional climate goals and increase our energy independence. Through the purchase of renewable energy credits from this community solar project, 100% of the Town’s municipal electricity use will now be matched with locally generated solar power. This means that the Mt. CB Town Hall and all municipal electricity use will all be effectively powered by sunshine!” Town Planner Shannon Hessler said.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort also celebrated the milestone. As a part of Vail Resorts’ ‘Commitment to Zero,’ CBMR has committed to achieving zero net emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2030. “The Oh Be Joyful Solar Array reflects what’s possible when local organizations come together with a shared vision for sustainability.  We are deeply grateful to GCEA for leading the development of this solar project and making this collaboration a reality,” General Manager of Crested Butte Mountain Resort JD Crichton said.

The Oh Be Joyful Solar Project construction was largely completed in October but won’t be energized until later this year, due to delays in interconnection equipment delivery. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 19 to commemorate the milestone and was attended by representatives from each of the participating organizations.