Corvias Expands Solar Power Generation at Fort Riley Housing

Journey to 100% Recognized by Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army

for Installations, Energy and Environment

Fort Riley, KS (August 26, 2024) –  As a leading provider of solar power for privatized housing on military installations, last week Corvias hosted Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment to recognize the progress of the ongoing solar project at Fort Riley. Now in phase 3, this project supports the Army’s readiness and resiliency goals.

All mounting and racking is complete and solar panel installation is slated to conclude by the end of August. Once panels are installed, electrical work will begin with activation slated for the end of the year. This will cap the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley’s “Year in Victory” with another milestone. 

“Investing in ground-mount solar panels offers a range of benefits from creating on-site renewable power, stabilizing electric utility rates, and contributing to energy independence,” said Corvias’ Director of Energy Development, Justin Witty, who is also a former U.S. Army officer.

All efforts represent Corvias’ latest step in the journey to 100% onsite carbon pollution-free electricity. In total, all three phases will produce over 22,000 MWh which will power approximately 40% of the homes at Fort Riley. These ground-mount solar panels can also take advantage of additional efficiencies in ease of construction, a single interconnection point, and orientation directly to the south to get maximum sun exposure. 

Corvias partners with the Department of Defense and higher education institutions to solve infrastructure and energy resiliency challenges and to create long-term, sustainable value through our unique Solutions Through Partnerships® approach. Corvias partnerships enhance the well-being in our communities, including at the largest renewable energy project in Kansas and at resiliency projects nationwide. Our more than 72,000 residents consistently highly rank the courtesy and professionalism of our maintenance and leasing personnel.  To learn more, please visit www.corvias.com.  
Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, visited Fort Riley where she toured the ground-mount solar array project. Pictured left to right: SVP, CRC Innovations, Pablo Varela; Corvias Managing Director, DOD, Pete Sims; Corvias CEO, Chis Wilson; Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, Hon. Rachel Jacobson; US Army Garrison Commander, COL Gerald Nunziato; Deputy to the Garrison Commander at Ft. Riley, Steve Crusinberry; Ft. Riley Director of Public Works, Jeff Williamson; Ft. Riley Chief of Housing, Steve Milton.

In 2018, Corvias began solar development in conjunction with Onyx Renewables at Fort Riley, kicking off one of the largest solar installation projects at the time in Kansas. The partnership with the U.S. Army delivered over 12MW of rooftop solar power generation to the home of the 1st Infantry Division in Phases 1 and 2. The current phase will add another 4MW+ of ground-mounted solar. 

“And we’re not done,” said Witty. “We already have plans for a fourth phase at Fort Riley as well as solar work at other bases like Fort Johnson and Fort Liberty. This is all part of our larger commitment to provide comprehensive energy solutions to Corvias managed properties and our unwavering support for the Army’s energy goals and objectives.”

 

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About Corvias   

Corvias partners with the Department of Defense and higher education institutions to solve infrastructure and energy resiliency challenges and to create long-term, sustainable value through our unique Solutions Through Partnerships® approach. Corvias partnerships enhance the well-being in our communities, including at the largest renewable energy project in Kansas and at resiliency projects nationwide. Our more than 72,000 residents consistently highly rank the courtesy and professionalism of our maintenance and leasing personnel.  To learn more, please visit www.corvias.com.