Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) has energized the Oh Be Joyful Solar array near the entrance to Crested Butte as of April 15, 2026. The project reflects a collaborative
effort with the Towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, Crested Butte South Property Owners Association, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, and the Adaptive Sports Center.
The 1.125-megawatt array advances GCEA’s long-term strategy to expand local energy generation within its Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association contract—prioritizing projects that are both cost-effective and beneficial to members.
The project was designed to deliver local renewable energy without increasing member rates. Federal Inflation Reduction Act incentives significantly offset upfront costs, while additional funding is secured through the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to participating local organizations. This approach allows GCEA to invest in clean energy while maintaining affordability for its members.
Site selection was driven by a comprehensive evaluation of feasibility and impact. After exploring numerous potential locations across GCEA’s service area, the Oh Be Joyful site was identified by an independent expert as a leading candidate due to land ownership, proximity to GCEA substation, and compatibility with environmental and land-use considerations.
The array’s layout and positioning were optimized to maximize annual energy production. While winter shading occurs due to surrounding terrain, production impacts are minimal during a season when solar output is naturally lower. The design also incorporates detailed snow and avalanche risk analysis, resulting in an L-shaped configuration that avoids higher-risk zones and enhances long-term reliability.
Now fully operational, the array will supply approximately 1.9% of GCEA’s total energy needs—enough to power roughly 300 homes annually. The project also enables participating organizations to directly offset their electricity use with locally generated renewable energy, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and energy independence.