The biggest #solar project in #California is about to become a reality, thanks to a new utility. Check out how this solar plan will impact customers & the planet!
#Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a new South Bay utility that launched last year. Now, it is a huge part of what will likely be the largest expansion of solar power and storage in California. Silicon Valley Clean #Energy’s (#SVCE) board of directors signed a deal worth upwards of $337 million last month at a meeting in an effort to draw power from two planned solar facilities in the near future. Read on to learn more about this impactful plan!
What Is SVCE?
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is redefining the local energy market, according to their website, providing businesses and residents alike with new clean energy options at affordable prices. SVCE is governed by 13 communities in Santa Clara County.
A Solid Plan with Many Benefits
Once the aforementioned #solar projects are finished, they are anticipated to encompass the biggest solar expansion California has ever seen. There will be enough solar capacity to provide power to roughly 39,000 homes. The solar projects will include roughly 47 megawatts of storage capacity, as per a recent article on Mountain View Voice. This would let the utility save power all through peak times for inclement weather.
The new solar arrays are being constructed through a partnership between Monterey Bay Community Power and Silicon Valley Clean Energy. The utilities will just about split the energy generation once the solar projects are finished.
These solar projects are expected to be built in Kern County and Kings County. Building storage along with solar transforms the sun’s energy into a source that can be utilized on demand, when it could otherwise only be used when the sun is out and shining bright, without the obstruction of clouds. These solar projects are going to combine solar panels with big batteries to store the energy the sun produces during the day, which will mean that during times of high energy use later in the afternoon or at night, more clean energy can be discharged. If this sounds like a win-win, that’s because it most certainly is one!
According to CEO of Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Girish Balachandran, there is excitement over helping California to lead the transition to dependable, flexible clean energy, like solar power. These two solar projects are a major investment toward the state’s carbon-free energy goals.
Developed by Recurrent, the RE Slate 1 solar project will be built in Kings County and it represents a 15-year agreement. This agreement includes 150 MW of solar capacity and approximately 45 MW of storage, according to an article released in October 2018 by svcleanenergy.org. The second solar expansion, BigBeau Solar project, is being developed by EDF Renewables North America, and this is the one which is going to be built in Kern County. It represents a two decade agreement and will encompass 128 MW of solar capacity and 40 MW of storage.
If these solar projects sound appealing so far, get ready for some of the other perks which will come out of them. The solar projects are going to support approximately 840 jobs in the construction phase.
Because Silicon Valley Clean Energy signed long-standing power purchase agreements with each developer, customers will be receiving clean power from California renewables for many years.
Why It Is Important to Go Solar
It is important to note the many benefits of switching to clean energy sources. Not only does this reduce electricity bills for customers, which is certainly a benefit, but it has low maintenance costs, diverse applications, and it is a source of energy we cannot run out of. It is truly renewable and available every single day. As time goes on, we will likely see the effectiveness of solar panels increase, too.
How is renewable energy being harnessed in your location? Are you taking steps to live in a way that is healthier for the planet? There are so many small steps we can take, but going solar is a huge one. Continue to follow solar news to stay in the know!
Sources:
https://mv-voice.com/news/2018/11/23/new-utility-launches-states-largest-solar-project
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