Xcel Energy and SunPower are working together to build a 17 MW PV solar plant in Colorado. The plant is expected to be finished 2010, and will be the second-largest high-efficiency solar PV power plant in North America. SunPower’s Tracker system will be utilized to increase power generation from the plant.

In a company press release, leaders from both companies commented on the announcement:

We believe that solar power generation will play an increasingly vital role in our efforts to meet the wishes of our Colorado customers for more renewable, clean energy sources," said Tim Taylor, president and CEO for Public Service Co. of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. "SunPower’s experienced approach to solar power plant design and construction will allow us to quickly complete this important project."

"Today, high-efficiency solar PV technology is competitively-priced for power plant applications. It’s fast to install, and reliably delivers clean power, particularly during peak demand hours," said SunPower CEO Tom Werner. "We congratulate Xcel Energy for providing leadership in the promotion of solar power development, and for demonstrating how renewable technologies are part of the solution to ensure the health of our economy and our environment."