Fort Carson, home to over 26,000 active-duty personnel, is at the tip of the spear for Army innovation. Aiming to ensure its Soldiers and families are always mission-ready, the U.S. Army sought to transform its Colorado Springs base into a resilient, self-sustaining energy stronghold. Together with TotalEnergies, the U.S. Army built a 10.14 megawatt (MW) onsite solar array capable of supporting the base’s energy consumption.
TotalEnergies, which serves as system owner and operator, also teamed up with Energy Matters, LLC, a certified small business, to ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations while also supporting local economic growth.
This project represents a significant milestone in the U.S. Army’s effort to strengthen military infrastructure against external grid disruptions. As developer and long-term partner, TotalEnergies worked closely with base leadership to align energy goals with the rigorous demands of a primary U.S. Army post. This collaborative approach not only modernized the facility’s power profile but also serves as a scalable blueprint for how federal agencies can integrate large-scale renewables to safeguard critical national security operations.
The project consists of a high-efficiency ground-mounted system equipped with single-axis tracking technology. Unlike stationary arrays, these solar modules follow the sun’s trajectory throughout the day to optimize performance during peak daylight hours and maximize energy production. Designed for durability in Colorado’s high-altitude environment, the system is engineered to withstand extreme snow storms and return to full production within 24 to 48 hours.
To get the project moving without a massive upfront bill, the Army used a specialized financing model designed specifically for federal agencies. Similar to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the base avoided initial construction costs and only pays for the electricity produced by the panels. This approach gave Fort Carson long-term budget stability and immediate cost savings, proving that sophisticated renewable technology can be deployed effectively through private-sector investment and innovative procurement.
Customer:
U.S. Army Base
Location:
Colorado Springs, Colorado
System Size:
10.14 MW
Installation Type:
Ground mounted
Date of Completion:
2025
Notable Benefits:
Single-axis tracking modules maximize system performance by following the sun during peak daylight hours