Jun 7 2010
On June 2, dedication ceremonies were conducted for CalRENEW-1 Solar Farm, a photovoltaic solar electricity facility that connects to the transmission grid of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) as per the Renewables Portfolio Standards program of California. The developer of the facility Meridian Energy USA (previously Cleantech America); Fong Wan, the Senior Vice President of PG&E; and John Bohn, California Public Utilities Commissioner, felt that this facility will help California meet its renewable energy goals.
As per a power purchase agreement, the CalRENEW-1 Solar Farm situated in Mendota will provide 5 MW of clean, emissions-free solar energy. Occupying a 50-acre former fallow farmland in Central Valley of California, the facility produces power from over 50,000 solar modules. Commencement of operations at the facility had begun on April 30, 2010.
Bill Overholt, the CEO of Meridian Energy USA, commented that the company had completely financed and developed the CalRENEW-1 Solar Farm and this indicates the company’s commitment to solar energy and renewable energy. Moreover, over 70% of the construction work on the facility was done by locals in the Mendota area.
The CalRENEW-1 project was a joint effort between the CAISO, the Mendota city, PG&E and Meridian Energy USA. Quanta Renewable Energy Services provided the installation and engineering work for the facility. Thin-film photovoltaic modules were provided by Solar Energy Solutions Group of Sharp Electronics Corporation.
It is estimated that this facility will avoid carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 6.3 million pounds annually. Moreover, over 5,451 pounds of sulphur dioxide and 6,905 pounds of nitrogen oxides will be avoided through this facility annually.