In many states, the transition to renewable energy and power is
becoming more mainstream and accessible, providing jobs and
opportunities for innovations as well as contributing towards the
fight to save the planet. In 2021, 14
percent of
Utah’s total electricity came from sustainable energy resources,
mainly solar power. In fact, Utah ranked
11th out of all 50 states for most solar generating capacity, totaling
1,843 megawatts! Here is a look at the largest solar farm in Utah,
Cove Mountain Solar 2, and the area that surrounds it.
![](images/images_04_11_2023/Solar-Panel-1024x683.jpg)
Utah ranked 11th out of all 50 states for most solar generating
capacity. ©Diyana
Dimitrova/Shutterstock.com
Cove Mountain Solar 2
After being announced for construction in June of 2019, Cove Mountain
Solar 2 was commissioned for use in October of 2020. Comprised of many
free-standing photovoltaic solar panels, the farm cost 131.516 million
dollars to construct and operates at an active capacity of 122
megawatts. Cove Mountain Solar 2 generates enough energy to provide
clean power to 36,000 homes and is currently used to provide clean
energy to Facebook’s Eagle Mountain Data Center. The project offsets
235,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which would be
equivalent to removing 46,000 cars from the roadways. In addition to
providing clean energy, Cove Mountain Solar 2 was estimated to save
800 million liters of water per year. The project provided around 450
jobs during construction, reaching almost 1,100 job opportunities
during its peak building time.
![](images/images_04_11_2023/two-creeks-solar-farm-wisconsin-1024x767.jpg)
Cove Mountain Solar 2 generates enough energy to provide clean power
to 36,000 homes.
©John Touscany/Shutterstock.com
Who Made Cove Mountain Solar 2?
First Solar is
the only United
States-based
manufacturer among the world’s top ten largest solar panel producers.
The company is known for its thin film photovoltaic solar panels,
which are highly effective and reliable and require less carbon for
functioning than other leading solar panel brands. First Solar has
mastered the production of solar panels, able to turn a sheet of glass
into a fully functioning, state-of-the-art solar panel in just four
hours. In addition to providing sustainable energy alternatives to
traditional fossil fuel and natural gas usage, First Solar is also
dedicated to ensuring that the process of their production is
sustainable. From the beginning to the end of production, First Solar
practices raw material sourcing, module recycling, and much more.
Their innovative solar panels require less energy and water to
manufacture, resulting in a carbon footprint two and a half times
lower than other brands and a water footprint that is three times
lower. Finally, First Solar is working to ensure that all
manufacturing is powered by sustainable energy by 2028 and that they
have zero net carbon emissions by 2050.
Where is Cove Mountain Solar 2?
Cove Mountain Solar 2 is located in Iron
County, Utah.
Iron County is an incredibly geographically diverse area, containing
expansive deserts as well as lush forests, plateaus, and canyons. It
was originally inhabited by the prehistoric Anasazi and Sevier people
groups from A.D. 750 to 1250. The county is currently home to the
Southern Paiute Native American tribal headquarters. The area was
settled by Mormon missionaries in 1851, and quickly became a hotspot
for coal, iron mining and agriculture. To this day, the county’s
economy is supported by mining and agriculture, and its central
location between cities like Los Angeles and Denver makes it a hotspot
for trading and tourism. There are plenty of great job opportunities
in Iron County, with residents working in fields such as agriculture,
manufacturing, trade, and construction. The County is made up of large
cities such as Cedar City and Enoch and had a population of over
46,000 according
to the 2010 census.
Wildlife in Iron County
Because of the area’s great geographical diversity, Iron County is
home to an abundance of wildlife in
every direction. In the forests, mammals like mule
deer and gray
foxes can
be seen amongst beautiful pine, spruce, and aspen trees. In the
branches above the ground, various breeds of squirrels are
joined by robins,
red-tailed hawks,
and mountain
bluebirds.
In the plains, pronghorn
antelope and prairie
dogs roam
through different types of shrubbery and underbrush. In the desert,
various reptiles can be found such as western fence lizards, rattlesnakes,
and gopher
snakes.
The expansive wilderness of Iron County allows for many different
types of ecosystems to thrive and interact, making up an incredibly
biologically diverse area.
![](images/images_04_11_2023/shutterstock_1597548646-1024x683.jpg)
Iron County, Utah is home to an abundance of wildlife such as
pronghorn antelope which roam throughout its plains.
©Charles Lemar Brown/Shutterstock.com
Conclusion
While many states are beginning to switch over to more sustainable
energy practices such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, Utah
has more promise than most. Ranked as one of the seven states for the most
solar power potential,
Utah has the ability to provide clean energy to a significant portion
of the United States. While the work is far from over, states like
Utah are beginning to show promise of a much more sustainable,
reliable future.
Green Play Ammonia™, Yielder® NFuel Energy.
Spokane, Washington. 99212
www.exactrix.com
509 995 1879 cell, Pacific.
exactrix@exactrix.com