At Cloudbreak Energy, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive our renewable energy solutions. Our commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and building positive, long-term relationships allows us to create economic value and successful renewable generation and storage projects for landowners, business owners, utilities, and communities. Join us in harnessing the power of the sun to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Our dedication to landowners, particularly farmers, is at the heart of what we do. Through our extensive experience in working with farming families, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural, agricultural communities. That’s why we work closely with farmers to integrate critical land use considerations, such as the redistribution of water rights and accommodation of existing irrigation systems, into the design and placement of each of our arrays. Our tailored solutions ensure that land remains productive while offering a range of benefits designed to support the longevity of farmland for generations to come. Together, we can create a legacy of clean energy and sustainable farming.
In addition to our work with landowners, Cloudbreak Energy partners with businesses and corporations to integrate solar energy solutions that align with their sustainability goals and emissions reduction requirements, where applicable. We collaborate with corporate partners to develop projects that reduce their energy costs, minimize their carbon footprints, and demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Our partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and a shared vision for a clean energy future.
Cloudbreak was founded on a vision to reconsider existing energy solutions and redefine how renewable energy projects are developed with professionalism, responsiveness, and high probability of execution. Our goal is to employ innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges through the development of our projects.
Dual-Use: As the renewable energy industry expands and demand for land rises, energy projects are being developed in areas which are rich in farming history and productive agricultural soils. When developed responsibly, these projects have the potential to deliver significant benefits to rural, agricultural communities. However, Cloudbreak recognizes that energy projects must be designed in a manner that respects and enhances the values and practices of these communities.
Cloudbreak has worked hard to employ innovative solutions to ensure that each of our projects complements and enhances the land it occupies. Cloudbreak’s innovation is demonstrated through our agrivoltaic initiatives. The USDA defines agrivoltaics as “agricultural production, such as crop or livestock production or pollinator habitats, underneath solar panels or adjacent to solar panels.” In the renewable energy industry, agrivoltaics projects have surfaced as a way to expand the availability of suitable sites for renewable energy, while enabling farmers to retain their land, adjust to evolving economic conditions, and carry on their agricultural way of life.
When completed, the Darling Ranch Solar Project will exemplify a ground-breaking model of agrivoltaics in Colorado, as it will combine a fully operational hay farm with a fully operational 5 MWac solar facility. The project will integrate crop cultivation, employ drip irrigation technology, and accommodate the operation of large farm machinery (combines, swathers, and grain trucks) throughout the solar project, all while producing enough electricity to power about 1,500 single-family homes in Colorado.
The Griffiths Solar Project was originally developed by Cloudbreak and is now owned and operated by Green Street Power Partners, LLC. This project features the largest native pollinator habitat in the Rocky Mountain West, and was theresult of several integral agrivoltaic partnerships. Cloudbreak worked with the Audubon Society, Ethically Rooted, Chickadee Pine Design, and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado for the design, installation, and maintenance of this pollinator habitat. Cloudbreak also collaborated with a local shepherd to implement sheep grazing strategically between and around the solar panels. Drip irrigation was installed onsite to ensure ample forage for the sheep.
Cloudbreak is constantly thinking of novel ways to integrate its projects with agricultural production. This is why forming a partnership with the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) Graduate Program was a natural fit. This two-year, immersive, cohort-based program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to address complex environmental challenges of the 21st Century. Since early 2024, Cloudbreak has been working with a small group of students from this program to develop a best practices guide for developers working to combine solar development with crop production. The final deliverable will be an agrivoltaic guide that includes details about which crops are suitable for certain soil types and different crops’ abilities to adapt to solar panel shade, irrigation needs, and long-term maintenance. This research will be used to shape how Cloudbreak designs and implements agrivoltaic practices in its future renewable energy projects.
Cloudbreak has over 15 projects in development or operation which will utilize sheep grazing between and beneath solar panels. This form of animal husbandry will serve as the land maintenance method for these projects. Cloudbreak works with local shepherds to implement the practice of rotational grazing. The mutton produced through this method of agrivoltaics will be processed locally.
Cloudbreak Energy’s commitment to environmental stewardship is the driving force behind our work. Through our solar projects, we strive to create a sustainable future while supporting the agricultural communities in which we operate.
Our solar installations provide clean, renewable energy that helps offset reliance on fossil fuels. Through our partnerships with farmers, business owners, utilities, and communities, we facilitate the transition to greener energy solutions. Every solar project we develop contributes to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.
Cloudbreak designs its projects with wildlife in mind. To date, all of Cloudbreak’s projects have been surrounded by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife-approved game fence. This fence is considered optimal for local critters, as it prevents them from getting trapped within the confines of the array. This fence does not have any barbed wire, ensuring wildlife does not get caught or injured on its surface. Cloudbreak also ensures all necessary wildlife surveys are completed before commencing construction on any new projects.
On all of our Colorado projects, Cloudbreak works with Pawnee Buttes Seeds, Inc. to develop and plant a native seed mixture. This seed mixture is planted beneath our panels and is maintained by either sheep grazing and/or a local land maintenance team. Cloudbreak selects these seed mixes for the array of positive benefits they have for the local ecosystem. They are beneficial to local pollinators, drought-resistant, cultivate additional biodiversity, and help rejuvenate soil nutrients.
Our solar projects are carefully planned to preserve natural resources, particularly water. We work with landowners to ensure that our installations do not interfere with existing water rights and irrigation systems. In fact, our solar leases can enhance water management by redistributing water usage efficiently. By prioritizing resource conservation, we support sustainable agricultural practices and protect vital ecosystems.
Throughout the projects’ lifetime, Cloudbreak’s disruption of the soil beneath the solar panels is minimal. By leaving land relatively undisturbed, Cloudbreak preserves soil structure and promotes growth of organic matter, which allows for nutrient retention and cycling, as well as water absorption. Breaking up the tilling cycle and allowing the soil to rest for a term has been shown to improve overall soil health.
At Cloudbreak Energy, integrity is not just a principle; it is the cornerstone of our entire operation. We use integrity to guide our actions, shape our reputation, and drive our success in delivering high-quality, innovative renewable energy solutions.
We engage in transparent dealings, ensuring that all agreements are straightforward, mutually respectful, and beneficial for all parties involved. When working with landowners and farmers, we offer solar leases that respect water rights, irrigation infrastructure, and other agricultural considerations. When collaborating with business owners, we deliver accurate, timely, and professional work, ensuring that our clients are always well-informed and confident in our projects. Our ability to foster strong, enduring relationships drives success for both our partners and our company.
We take pride in delivering accurate, thorough, and meticulously crafted projects that exceed expectations. Each task is approached with a commitment to excellence, ensuring that our partners and stakeholders can rely on us for superior results.
Our fast response times are achieved without compromising the thorough diligence and high-quality work we are known for, ensuring that client needs are addressed promptly and efficiently. Whether it’s providing timely updates, handling inquiries, or executing projects, our proactive approach allows us to deliver superior results without sacrificing detail or professionalism.
From the initial consultation to project completion, we maintain clear and honest communication, provide timely updates, and handle every detail with the utmost care. Our team of intelligent, skilled professionals is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct and cultivating long-lasting relationships.
We will evaluate your property to see if it’s a good fit for solar.
There is no commitment required.
T: (970) 425-3175
E: info@cloudbreakenergy.com
A: 218 S 3rd Street, Sterling, CO, 80751
A: 1600 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO, 80302
© CloudBreak Energy 2023. All rights reserved. | Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact Us
Cloudbreak has over 66.3 MWdc of sites under active development in major East Coast markets such as Virginia, New York, and others. These projects span large distributed projects with utilities such as Dominion as well as community solar projects in National Grid and NYSEG service territories.
Cloudbreak Energy has been awarded 8 MWdc of distributed solar projects in Iowa. Cloudbreak is actively developing more than 23 MWdc of distributed and community solar projects in several Midwest markets and across multiple utility territories, such as WE Energies, WPS, and Xcel.
Cloudbreak Energy has 70+ MWdc of distributed solar and solar plus storage projects in active development in various counties across the Pacific Northwest and in California. The West Coast is a large focus area for the firm as community and distributed solar legislation gains momentum in some of those key markets.
Cloudbreak has been awarded 70+MWdc of distributed and community solar projects with Xcel, Black Hills, and Mountain Parks Electric which are in various stages of maturity, ranging from permitting to COD. Cloudbreak also has 180 MWdc of utility scale solar and 212.2 MWdc of distributed and community solar projects under active development.
