Greentech Lead America:
K Road Power Holdings, an independent power producer that develops, finances,
constructs, owns and operates utility-scale renewable power facilities in the
Southwest United States with a focus on PV solar, has acquired the 25-megawatt
(AC) McHenry Solar Project from SunPower.
The project, designed by SunPower, is under construction in Modesto,
Calif.
The solar power generated by the project’s solar photovoltaic (PV)
technology will be sold to the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) under a
25-year power purchase agreement, helping the utility achieve California’s 33
percent renewable portfolio standard. It will generate the equivalent amount of
power for approximately 6,000 homes.
SunPower will provide operations and maintenance services
when the project begins commercial operation in September.
The project is creating up to 144 construction jobs and
injecting approximately $18.7 million into the local economy during
construction.
“The McHenry Solar Project is a world-class solar
project and this acquisition represents K Road’s commitment to own and operate
a diversified portfolio of solar PV generating assets under long-term supply
relationships,” said William Kriegel, K Road’s chairman and chief
executive officer. “We are proud to partner with SunPower to supply clean,
renewable electricity to the Modesto Irrigation District, a community owned
electric and water utility in California’s central valley.”
The project is funded by Union Bank, N.A. that acted as Administrative
Agent and Rabobank and CIT Energy that acted as Joint Lead Arrangers. “
SunPower is installing the SunPower Oasis Power Plant
product at the site. Oasis is a fully integrated, modular solar power block
that is engineered to rapidly and cost-effectively deploy utility-scale solar
projects while minimizing land use impacts. Each power block integrates the
SunPower T0 Tracker with SunPower’s high efficiency solar panels,
pre-manufactured system cabling, the Oasis smart inverter, and the Oasis
operating system.
SunPower Oasis also features the SunPower advanced Tracker
Monitoring and Control System (TMAC) for wireless control of the power plant.
The power block kits are shipped pre-assembled to the job site for rapid field
installation, and offer the highest capacity factor and the most reliable
long-term performance.
“SunPower technology is fast to install, offers
guaranteed performance, and is a competitively-priced choice for power,”
said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. “We commend K Road for
seizing the opportunity to enhance the local economy in Stanislaus County,
while helping meet the state’s growing energy demand and renewable energy
goals.”
California
Water Facilities reduce operating costs with SunPower Solar power systems
Earlier this year, SunPower announced the installation of
its four 3.8 megawatts solar power systems that help in reducing electricity
costs of public water agencies and water treatment facilities in California.
editor@greentechlead.com