Global solar tracking leader, Array Technologies, Inc. (ATI), has initiated DuraTrack HZ v3 single-axis tracker shipments to 137 MW (dc) Springbok 1 Solar Farm, located 70 miles north of Los Angeles, California.
The utility-scale solar tracking power plant, developed on up to 700 acres of low-productivity farmland, is expected to displace 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year – equal to the amount that roughly 12 million trees would displace annually.
8minutenergy Renewables, LLC (8minutenergy) began developing the project in 2011, signed a PPA with Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), and in 2014, chose the ATI trackers and selected Swinerton Renewable Energy as the engineering, procurement and construction services company. An affiliate of D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) led the equity investment in the project in 2015 and obtained debt and tax equity financing. 8minutenergy and DESRI expect to jointly own and operate Springbok 1, with affiliates of 8minutenergy and DESRI overseeing construction management.
ATI’s latest version single-axis tracker, DuraTrack HZ v3, will boost the site’s power production and lower installation and maintenance costs thanks to industry-leading features such as 6% higher power density, innovative single-bolt per module clamps, zero scheduled maintenance and proven reliability. Backed by ATI’s vast experience of nearly 4 gigawatts and 26 years of specialized tracker know-how, DuraTrack HZ v3 will deliver the best levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to the site’s joint owners and clean energy to Los Angeles residents.
“We are pleased to collaborate with partners such as ATI on the development of the Springbok 1 Solar Farm that is scheduled to supply the people of Los Angeles with clean energy by the middle of next year,” said Martin Hermann, 8minutenergy Chief Executive Officer.
“As our latest version product, DuraTrack HZ v3, gains traction in the market we are thrilled to have the support of industry-leading renewable companies 8minutenergy and DESRI,” explained ATI founder and CEO, Ron Corio. “Our partnership with Swinerton and their familiarity with our technology will ensure swift installation and completion on Springbok 1, allowing us to deliver the best levelized cost of electricity over the life of the project.”