Sundance Solar
Powering the future of Elbert County.
Located just 3.5 miles north of Kiowa on Kiowa-Bennett Road, Sundance Solar delivers 75 MWac of solar power and 50 MWac of battery storage—enough to supply clean energy to about 25,000 homes each year. By connecting directly to CORE’s electric grid, Sundance Solar strengthens local energy reliability and security while providing Elbert County with sustainable, homegrown power.
Project Description
Sundance Solar will deliver significant benefits to Elbert County with 75 MWac of clean solar power and 50 MWac of battery storage—enough to power about 25,000 homes each year. Located near CORE’s transmission lines and substation, the project was designed after extensive environmental and engineering studies to protect native habitats, safeguard cultural resources, and ensure wildlife safety. Once operational, Sundance Solar will be a quiet, low-impact neighbor with no light or noise pollution, minimal traffic, and land that can return to agriculture at the end of its life.
Project Updates
Read the latest news about Sundance Solar.
Community & Environmental Benefits
- Sundance Solar is designed with the land and environment in mind. The project preserves the property’s agricultural use and can be returned to cattle grazing once operations conclude. Careful siting and planning ensure minimal long-term impact, allowing clean energy generation today while keeping the land viable for future generations.
- For Elbert County, the upside is substantial: an estimated $9.8 million in property tax revenue over 40 years compared to just $16,500 if the land remained in agricultural use — directly supporting schools, the fire district, roads and bridges, and the local library. Construction will also create 150–250 jobs, with local contractors prioritized, plus two to three permanent, good-paying positions once the project is online. Beyond dollars and jobs, Cypress Creek is investing in the community through $100k annually (for three years) to local non-profits and workforce development programs, along with scholarships, donations, and sponsorships that strengthen the future of rural Colorado.
Scholarship Program
The Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship program was launched in 2023 to positively impact students in the communities where Cypress Creek develops and operates projects. The program encourages young people to pursue careers in renewable energy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields while helping ease the cost of higher education. Over the past three years in Elbert County, Cypress Creek has awarded nine students nearly $12,000 in scholarships through this program.
Each recipient receives a scholarship donation to support tuition, housing, books, or materials for their chosen post-graduation path. As part of the application process, students submit a short video answering the question, “How does renewable energy affect your future?” Cypress Creek is proud to continue expanding this program and will share details for the 2026 application cycle here once available.
Project Documents
Project Vicinity
FAQs
Why Solar?
Solar is a low-impact, domestic electricity source that can help the state of Colorado achieve its energy independence. Solar projects provide economic stimulus to communities while safely and quietly powering households.
Why was the location chosen?
Our approach to choosing projects includes extensive screening and intentional siting to ensure we are leaving the lightest mark possible. Sundance Solar’s location was chosen because of its close proximity to existing transmission lines, availability of usable land and interest from landowners, and minimal impact to the environment.
What is the permitting process?
Sundance Solar was approved through the Elbert County 1041 permit application process in 2018 and again in 2025. Cypress Creek followed the revised approval process that allowed for ongoing local input and collaboration that included public hearings to ensure the interests of residents were considered and incorporated into the project wherever possible.
Is solar equipment safe for people and the environment?
Our solar equipment meets the highest national standards (ANSI and UL) and does not affect the atmosphere, soil, or groundwater under normal operating conditions. The Sundance Solar facility will be remotely monitored 24/7, with local technicians to manage maintenance and emergency response. We will take great care to mitigate any impact to the environment. Third-party studies have been completed to understand the needs of local wildlife and plants, and the results have been incorporated into the project’s intentional siting and comprehensive permitting requirements.
What will Sundance Solar look like from the road?
Sundance Solar is adhering to all county ordinances, setbacks, and vegetative buffers to ensure a proper site plan layout. The site will have an entrance gate installed along CR 154. Sundance Solar will be surrounded by private security fencing with screening to minimize visual disturbance.
Will property values be impacted?
Sundance Solar will likely have no impact on neighboring property values. In Colorado and other states, studies by land appraisers have found negligible negative impact on surrounding property values.
Will Sundance Solar benefit the community?
The project will require few community resources while providing an important source of new tax revenue. Sundance Solar is estimated to create between 150-250 full-time jobs during construction and two to three high-paying permanent positions.
Cypress Creek strives to create a positive impact on the communities where we develop and operate projects by fostering relationships with and donating to local organizations, sponsoring local events, and offering academic scholarships to high school students in the community.
What happens at the end of the project’s lifespan and who is responsible for decommissioning?
After the project’s lease has expired, Cypress Creek will be responsible for all associated costs for project decommissioning and site restoration. All equipment, conduits, structures, and foundations will be removed to a depth of at least three feet below grade, fencing will be removed, and the land will be returned to its previous state in coordination with the landowner. The land will be suitable for ranching again if the landowner wishes to do so.
Elbert County Community Working Group
As part of Cypress Creek’s commitment to Elbert County during the permitting process for Sundance Solar, the company pledged $300,000 in community investments over three years and established the Community Working Group (CWG).
The CWG includes a broad range of community interests and its intent is to create dialogue and consensus building for topics related to Sundance Solar, including community investment decisions.
In September of 2025, the CWG held its first meeting at Bino’s pizza where they were introduced to the Sundance Solar project team and construction team, were able to ask questions and provide feedback, and helped to guide Cypress Creek toward donations and initiatives that are important to the people of Elbert County.
Thank you to the Elbert County CWG who represent the following key groups in the area:
- Elbert County School District C-2 (Kiowa)
- Elizabeth High School
- Big Sandy School District
- Elbert County Coalition Outreach (ECCO)
- Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce
- Kiowa Creek Community Church Food Bank
- Elbert County Sheriff’s Department
- Kiowa Fire Department
- Elbert County Partnership
- Neighbors to Sundance Solar
- Elbert County Historical Society
- Local Businesses
- Kiowa Food Bank
- The Wranglers
- Elbert County Extension
- Elizabeth Firefighters Foundation
Some CWG represent multiple nonprofits that may not be listed above. Additional representatives may be added at discretion of the current CWG.
Our Team
Stacy Gramazio
Senior Director, Corporate & Community Impact
Samuel Davis
Manager, Marketing & Content
Contact Us
Looking to connect with a member of our team? Please contact us using the form below.