RIT moved to its new facility on List Drive in January of 2008. Adjacent to the RIT building was a 1.3 acre undeveloped lot. In an effort to support our environment, reduce our carbon footprint, and encourage others to follow our example, RIT has installed a Ground Mounted Solar Array on this piece of land.

The solar array was built in two phases. The first development phase consists of (312) 200 W solar modules for a total of 62.4 KW DC, providing more than 110% of the electrical power needed for the RIT facility. Phase I came on-line on July 1, 2009. The second development phase consists of (371) 230 W solar modules for an additional 85.3 KW DC of power generating capacity. Phase II came on-line on June 21, 2010. Phase II produces enough power to supply more than 43 homes with electricity.

In total, Phase I and Phase II has 683 solar panels and produces 147.73 KW (DC). Additional power, generated in excess of the RIT facility usage, is sold to Colorado Springs Utilities by feeding directly into the electrical grid. The power generated by Phase I and Phase II makes RIT the largest independent energy producer in Southern Colorado.

This Ground Mounted Solar array was designed and built by Rocky Mountain Solar and Wind. Phase I was developed in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities under the Renewable Energy Rebate Program for Photovoltaics. Phases I and II were also supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.