MidAmerican Solar, a subsidiary of MidAmerican Renewables, and SunPower have installed the one millionth photovoltaic module at the Solar Star development, which is now delivering more than 170 MW to the California ISO grid.
When complete, the 579-MW AC projects, co-located in Kern and Los Angeles counties, will have more than 1.7 million modules installed. The first solar module was installed in March 2013.
“A project of this magnitude requires extraordinary teamwork to ensure it is successful in safely and reliably delivering renewable energy to California,” says Bryan Whitcomb, general manager, MidAmerican Solar. “We remain committed to working with our neighbors and local officials as we continue meeting our construction milestones.”
The Solar Star projects are owned by MidAmerican Solar and are being constructed by SunPower, which also will provide operations and maintenance services.
Photo courtesy of SunPower
The projects are creating approximately 650 jobs during their three-year construction period, and are estimated to generate more than $500 million in regional economic impact. According to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, electricity generated from the projects will displace approximately 570,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
“The environmental impact is just as important as the economic impact on the community,” says Whitcomb. “For example, in California’s Antelope Valley, where small amounts of rain and high winds are typical, dust control efforts are at the forefront of construction development and execution. We monitor wind conditions and follow several practices onsite to mitigate dust impacts to workers and community members.”
Construction on the projects began in 2013 and is expected to be complete by year-end 2015. Southern California Edison will purchase electricity from the projects under two long-term power purchase agreements.
Want more? Try these articles:
SunPower Corp., MidAmerican Solar, Adds Solar Development To Grid
NRG Energy And MidAmerican Solar Complete 290-MW Agua Caliente