Duke Energy Renewables opens new solar facility in California
The North Rosamond solar project in Kern County, Calif., has begun commercial operation, according to Duke Energy Renewables, a subsidiary of Duke Energy.
The 150-megawatt (MW) facility is the largest solar project in Duke Energy Renewables’ fleet.
“North Rosamond is a great addition to our growing solar portfolio,” Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables, said. “California is a leader in renewable energy, and we’re pleased to support the state’s efforts by continuing to provide cost-efficient renewable energy to meet residents’ needs.”
The project includes more than 477,000 solar panels and will power about 71,000 homes. The energy produced will be sold to Southern California Edison as part of a 15-year agreement.
The facility was designed and built by First Solar Electric California. It employed as many as 500 individuals during the peak construction period.
The U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, M&T Bank’s Commercial Equipment Finance Group, and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America provided tax equity financing to the project.
Duke Energy Renewables, a unit of Duke Energy, operates wind and solar generation facilities across the United States, generating 3,000 MWs of electric energy. The power is sold to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. They also operate energy storage and microgrid projects.
