Construction Commences On Idaho’s Largest Solar Project

Construction is now underway on what will become the largest solar project in Idaho, U.S.

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is developing the 120MW Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, the utility subsidiary’s first utility-scale project in Idaho.

Idaho Power has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement for energy generated by Jackpot Solar to support the utility’s goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045.

The Jackpot Solar project is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Swinerton Renewable Energy was selected for engineering, procurement, and construction on the project. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project.

In 2021, renewable energy sources generated 74% of the electricity in Idaho, the fourth-highest share of renewable electricity for any state after Vermont, South Dakota, and Washington, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Idaho also enjoys the lowest electricity prices in the country, largely due to its hydro generating more than half of the state’s power.

As recently as 2015, Idaho did not have a single utility-scale solar project. By the end of 2021, Idaho had 612MW of solar capacity installed, representing an investment of $901 million, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

At 120MW, Jackpot Solar is expected to pass what’s believed to be the largest utility-scale solar project in Idaho, the 108MW Grandview PV Solar Two project installed in 2016.