GRID Alternatives Helps Launch Nation’s First Floating Solar Tracker Project in Colorado

Denver, Colorado – October 9, 2025 – GRID Alternatives, a national leader in clean energy access, Electrical Contractor-Workforce Training development, and community empowerment, is proud to partner with Noria Energy, the Consolidated Mutual Water Company (CMWC), Hazelett Marine, and the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories on the country’s first-ever floating solar project to incorporate solar tracking technology.

The Aurea Solar project is a 50 kW floating solar pilot system on Golden’s Fairmount Reservoir that generates renewable energy for water utility operations while creating hands-on clean energy job opportunities for local workers. The project is built using Noria Energy’s AquaPhi floating solar tracker, the first scalable system in the U.S. designed to rotate solar islands with the sun, boosting energy output by 10-20% compared to conventional fixed floating solar.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with our partners CMWC, GRID Alternatives, NREL, PNNL, and Hazelett to deploy our powerful technology that helps make clean energy more accessible to more customers,” said Noria CEO Ron Stimmel.

Floating solar projects provide a cost-effective, space-saving solution for water utilities with large reservoirs. They convert water infrastructure into energy-producing assets while also reducing evaporation. By powering CMWC’s water pumps, Aurea Solar will both support utility operations and demonstrate a scalable clean energy solution for communities nationwide.

GRID Alternatives is training and employing local solar workers as part of the project, creating pathways to long-term clean energy careers. GRID’s role ensures that, in addition to advancing renewable technology, the project delivers tangible workforce and equity benefits.

The project also benefits from Hazelett Marine’s expertise, which provides advanced mooring solutions, and two U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will provide independent testing and performance validation, while the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) supports the development of AquaPhi’s intelligent control system.

Aurea Solar will support CMWC’s mission to deliver clean, safe, and reliable water to more than 100,000 customers in the greater Denver area while opening a new frontier for solar deployment across the U.S.

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