Black Hollow Sun in USA - ContourGlobal

Black Hollow Sun

Northen Colorado’s largest photovoltaic facility

Project overview

In January 2025, we announced the acquisition of the Black Hollow Sun (BHS) Solar Complex in Colorado, which consists of two phases: BHS Phase I, a 185 MWp plant that started operations in October 2025, and BHS Phase II (139 MWp), where construction continues at a strong pace.

The entire complex is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2026, providing energy to Platte River Power Authority—a community-owned public power utility—under 20-22 year busbar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) grandfathered into the IRA tax credits. This new clean energy will be sufficient to power more than 73,000 homes and businesses in Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont, and Loveland annually.

185

MWp

Black Hollow Sun phase I (in operation)

139

MWp

Black Hollow Sun phase II (under construction)

608

GWh/year

BHS complex estimated production

December 2024

Acquisition of a Black Hollow Sun Solar Complex for a total of 324 MWp of installed capacity. BHS phase I already under construction
April 2025

BHS phase II start of construction
July 2025

BHS phase I Electro Mechanical Completion (EMCC)
September 2025

BHS phase I Start of commercial operation
May 2026

BHS II energization and Hot Commissioning

Black Hollow Sun phase I

Located in Weld County, near Fort Collins, this project marks ContourGlobal’s first large-scale solar PV construction in the U.S. and a major milestone in our renewable energy expansion within the country. Featuring more than 310,000 advanced solar panels—including units assembled in America—the first phase of the complex commenced commercial operations in October 2025.

Black Hollow Sun phase II

BHS phase II has been designed to integrate with the shared infrastructure of BHS phase I, maximizing efficiency in land use, interconnection systems, and technical resources. The construction of both phases has generated over 700 direct jobs during peak construction, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Shared Value & Economic Impact

One of the most valuable aspects of the BHS phase I & II development has been our close collaboration with regional contractors and suppliers. Over 70% of the construction workforce is U.S.-based, with many workers coming from Colorado’s Denver and Fort Collins areas. This approach not only supports local economic development but also fosters a highly responsive and committed project environment. The construction phase of the 2 phases has generated over 700 direct jobs during peak construction, providing a significant boost to the local economy through partnerships with regional contractors, suppliers, and service providers.

Equally important has been our deep integration with the local community. We have worked closely with the Severance town authorities, Weld County officials, and local residents to ensure the project aligns with community expectations and values. Our engagement with PRPA, our offtaker and strategic partner, has also been key in coordinating project milestones and securing long-term benefits for the region.

Reliable Partnerships

The Key aspect of Black Hollow Sun project is the American base aspect of the construction and equipment used. The agreement for these projects provides that Qcells will be responsible for the construction, which will include solar panels produced by the company at their Dalton and Cartersville facilities in Georgia. Qcells has one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in the Western Hemisphere, with a U.S. manufacturing capacity of 5.1 GW, which is expected to reach up to 8.4 GW.

Project Lifecycle: From Ground to Grid

The construction of a utility-scale solar power plant like the Black Hollow Sun complex follows a series of well-defined phases that reflect both engineering best practices and strict regulatory standards in the State of Colorado and across the United States. This interactive timeline highlights the key steps involved:

Land Preparation and Site Clearing

The process begins with site surveys, environmental assessments, and grading. This includes clearing vegetation and preparing access roads to ensure the safe and efficient movement of construction equipment and personnel.
Civil Works and Foundations

Once the land is prepared, civil works begin. This includes trenching for underground cables, installing foundations for the solar trackers or fixed-tilt structures, and building stormwater management systems.
Structural and Mechanical Installation

Metal structures are assembled and solar panel mounting systems are installed. This phase also includes the mechanical installation of the photovoltaic modules and single-axis trackers that follow the sun to maximize generation.
Electrical Works:

The next step involves the installation of inverters, transformers, and medium-voltage electrical cabling. These components are then connected to the plant's main substation, enabling energy delivery to the grid.
Commissioning and Testing

Once all systems are in place, extensive testing is performed to ensure the plant meets performance and safety standards. This encompasses functional tests of all equipment, grid interconnection procedures, and compliance with utility and regulatory requirements.
Commercial Operation

After passing final inspections and obtaining operating permits, the plant enters its Commercial Operation Date (COD), officially delivering clean electricity to the grid and supporting Colorado’s renewable energy goals.