Duke Energy Renewables, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, has acquired the 150MW North Rosamond solar project in Kern County, California, from Clearway Energy Group.
Image: The North Rosamond solar project is located on approximately 1,188 acres site outside of Rosamond, California. Photo: Courtesy of Duke Energy Corporation.
The North Rosamond solar project is located on approximately 1,188 acres site outside of Rosamond, California, and marks company’s sixth solar generation facility in Kern County.
The facility comprises more than 477,000 solar panels, forming the largest solar project in the company’s fleet, and is expected to power approximately 71,000 households. The construction of the project is expected to be completed soon and is expected to start commercial operation by early May 2019. The project employed 500 individuals during the peak construction period.
Duke Energy Renewables president Rob Caldwell said: “North Rosamond is a great addition to our growing solar portfolio. California is a leader in renewable energy, and we’re pleased to support their efforts by continuing to provide the state with cost-efficient renewable energy to meet residents’ needs.”
The tax credit division of US Bank, the US Bancorp Community Development Corporation, along with M&T Bank’s Commercial Equipment Finance Group and Guardian Life Insurance Company of America has provided tax equity financing for the project.
Power generated from the North Rosamond solar project will be purchased by the Southern California Edison under a 15 year agreement.
First Solar Electric California’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) subsidiary has undertaken the design, procurement of PV modules, inverters, balance of plant systems and construction of the project, under a fixed-price EPC agreement.
Duke Energy Renewables operates wind and solar generation facilities, which have a total electric capacity of 3GW, across the US. The company sell the power to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. It also operates energy storage and microgrid projects.
Earlier this month, Duke Energy Renewables announced its plans to construct, own and operate a 200MW Mesteño wind project in Starr County, Texas.
Mesteño Wind Project marks the Duke Energy Renewables’ fourth wind generation facility in Starr County.