Op-Ed: C4 Deserves to be Complimented

Leadville Herald Democrat — MARCH 19, 2026 — PAGE 5

To the editor, 

We would like to take this opportunity to compliment C4 on their work restoring production at the Solar Farm on County Road 10. They did an outstanding job retrofitting, modernizing, and improving operational parameters of the array. C4 has developed a long-term operational plan that we believe corrected the weaknesses in the original owner’s plan that ended in bankruptcy. They also utilized local contractors and workers for the project that have a stake in the array’s success. According to recent data the array is producing power in excess of its original design. 

Community solar gardens represent one of the most practical and inclusive tools Colorado has to advance a truly sustainable energy future. In a state known for its natural beauty, outdoor economy, and commitment to environmental stewardship, community solar is a logical step that benefits both residents and the climate. 

By utilizing a shared local solar array, Coloradans can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels while supporting cleaner air across our state and protecting the landscapes that define our community. Perhaps most importantly, community solar builds public participation in sustainability. Instead of climate action being something distant or abstract, it becomes a shared local investment in Lake County’s future. 

As our state continues balancing growth, water pressures, and wildfire risks intensified by climate change, community solar gardens offer a practical, scalable, and community-driven way to move toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system for all Coloradans. 

Cheryl and John Wells 

Leadville