Canadian Solar is supplying 28 kilowatt three-phase inverters totaling 1.25 MW AC to Renewable Solar Energy (RSE), central California.
RSE will integrate the inverters with ground mount solar photovoltaic projects installed at three agricultural farms — Netto Farms, Tos Farms, and Summer Hill Dairy.
Also, Canadian Solar is supplying 1.5 MW DC of its CS6X-305P solar panels to RSE as part of a total system solution.
California has been facing prolonged drought which has prompted the US state to adopt several measures aimed at sustainability. The state recently adopted a regulation that allows companies to package energy sourced from small-scale producers and sell it on the wholesale market.
It is expected to improve the long-term viability of rooftop solar installations.
The Independent System Operator Corporation, which manages the California energy grid, approved the regulation which allows private companies to buy power from individual producers, bundle it and sell it on the wholesale power market.
The regulation gives home owners the option to either sell surplus power to a wholesaler or continue with accepting whatever net metering credit their utilities grant.
Reports suggest that in the initial phase net metering credits will be more profitable than selling power to wholesalers. But in the long run selling power to wholesalers could turn out to be the more profitable option.
Wholesalers would be a viable option if home and business owners don’t have the opportunity to participate in net metering for any reason.
California has been witnessing a steady shift toward eco-friendly communities, particularly as the US state has endured a drought for very long. Residential communities in California’s predominantly agricultural Central Valley are now also focusing on changing the landscape around them for greener alternatives.
New communities are focusing on smaller homes built close to each other with a common green space. And lawns are being replaced with drought resistant vegetation, reports show.
Ajith Kumar S
editor@greentechlead.com