Chroma Energy Group’s Renewable Energy Solutions for Quarries

During my recent presentation at the National Stone Sand and Gravel Association, I outlined several avenues for quarries to explore renewable energy options. These include purchasing solar credits (RECs) on the open market, leasing land in the rapidly growing solar market, installing solar infrastructure on-site, and engaging in power purchase agreements (PPAs) with developers who own and operate the solar systems.

The US solar industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 24%. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, 6.1 GWdc of solar capacity was installed nationwide. This growth can be attributed to strong federal policies like the solar Investment Tax Credit, rapidly declining costs, and increasing demand for clean electricity across both private and public sectors.

I believe that quarries stand to benefit from the adoption of solar energy in three key areas: economic benefits, sustainability, and resiliency. By generating electricity from solar power systems at a lower cost than retail utility rates, quarries can reduce their operating expenses. Additionally, solar energy can help quarries meet their decarbonization strategies by reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions through the use of RECs and lowering overall energy consumption. Furthermore, solar and storage systems can provide back-up power during outages, enhancing the resiliency of quarry operations.

At Chroma Energy Group, we understand that each quarry has unique energy requirements and constraints. To optimize solar system design, our company considers factors such as interconnection costs, land availability, and utility bills. By conducting a thorough analysis of these factors, we can develop a customized strategy that aligns with the quarry’s economic, sustainability, and resiliency goals.

For quarries looking to invest in solar energy without incurring significant capital expenditures, Chroma Energy Group can facilitate PPAs with solar developers. Under this arrangement, the developer finances, builds, and owns the solar system on the quarry’s property, while the quarry agrees to purchase the electricity generated at a fixed price, typically lower than the retail rate. This allows quarries to benefit from clean energy without the upfront costs associated with system ownership.

Our comprehensive services include site viability assessments, utility rate analysis, system layout and design, and financial modeling to determine the IRR, payback period, and ROI of solar investments. By partnering with Chroma Energy Group, quarries can navigate the complex process of transitioning to renewable energy with confidence, knowing that they have the support of a team of experienced professionals.

As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, quarries that embrace solar power will be well-positioned to reduce their operating costs, enhance their sustainability efforts, and contribute to a cleaner, more resilient future. With Chroma Energy Group’s expertise and commitment to excellence, I am confident that quarries across the United States can harness the power of the sun and reap the benefits of renewable energy.