NRG Energy and the Boeing recently brought their first solar power plant, the NRG Community 1 Solar Generating Facility, online in Brawley, Calif., 10 months after the project began. Through a community focused program the project was developed by Sol Orchard in collaboration with the Center for Energy Sustainability at San Diego State University’s (SDSU) Imperial Valley Campus.
The 6-MW Community 1 Solar Facility (Photo: Business Wire)
The Imperial Irrigation District will purchase all energy generated by the facility, under a 25-year power purchase agreement, and sell it at a competitive rate to interested customers through a community solar program. The inventive system design follows a similar NRG community solar installation in Rutland, Vermont and puts low-cost clean energy within reach of the Imperial Irrigation District’s consumers. This program creates a unique option for homes and facilities that may not be ideal candidates for rooftop systems, while ensuring that renewable energy reaches as many consumers as possible.
Boeing provided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) for the Community 1 project, marking completion of its first solar power plant for NRG. Boeing and NRG are also currently building the 25.65 MW Dandan Solar Facility, which will be the first solar power plant on the island of Guam, with an expected completion date later this year.
The 6-MW Community 1 solar facility covers nearly 37 acres of land owned by SDSU and has more than 25,000 modules, which will generate enough emission-free electricity to power approximately 2,200 homes at full capacity. Additionally, it will reduce emissions and lower the demand on the southern California electricity grid.
For more on community solar around the U.S, try these articles:
SolarWorld Powers Grassroots Community Solar Coast To Coast
Energy Department Announces $15 Million To Boost Community Solar
Clean Energy Collective To Expand Community Solar Across Massachusetts
ESA Renewables Commissions First Community Solar Farm in Central Florida