Rocky Mountain Solar + Storage

Mortenson served as Xcel Energy’s full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the Rocky Mountain Solar + Storage project, located in Avondale, Colorado. As a key Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) project with Xcel Energy, the facility is a testament to the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking.

Featuring Jinko Solar modules and an energy storage system utilizing Sungrow PT2 technology, Rocky Mountain replaces some of the generation of an existing coal power plant. The completed project generates 325 megawatts of clean solar energy and provides 800 megawatt-hours of energy storage, continuing Mortenson’s strong history of developing renewable energy projects in Colorado.

Mortenson was responsible for the solar, energy storage, power delivery and civil scopes of the project. This work included the construction of a 230 kV substation with three main power transformers to connect the facility to the grid.

Constant communication, flexibility in work hours, a thorough cold weather plan, and sequenced work for an efficient workflow were some of the key ingredients to the successful completion of this project.

The Mortenson team also made sure to serve as good community stewards by getting involved in philanthropic efforts throughout construction. This included building a playset to benefit the Roc Solid Foundation, which supports children fighting pediatric cancer. Additionally, team members raised funds for the YWCA in Pueblo, Colorado, participated in a Rebuilding Together event to help an area family, donated food to the local food bank, and packed more than 150 backpacks filled with school supplies to benefit Pueblo School District 60.

Construction on the Rocky Mountain Solar + Storage project began in the fourth quarter of 2024 and was completed in spring of 2026.