Longroad Energy, a prominent U.S.-based renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, is delighted to announce the financial close and the commencement of construction on Sun Streams 4. This impressive project, boasting a capacity of 377 MWdc PV and 300 MWac of solar production, combined with a substantial 1200 MWh of energy storage, marks a significant milestone for clean energy development.
Sun Streams 4 is Longroad’s most extensive solar and energy storage project to date and represents the company’s third project within its Sun Streams complex, situated in Maricopa County, Arizona. Commercial operations for Sun Streams 4 are anticipated to commence by mid-2025.
With an output capacity capable of powering approximately 120,000 homes, Sun Streams 4 will deliver its renewable energy to Arizona Public Service (APS) through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This venture is poised to bolster system reliability in Arizona, particularly during the high-demand summer months.
The Sun Streams portfolio, which includes Sun Streams 2 (operational since mid-2021) and Sun Streams 3 (currently under construction, with commercial operations expected in 2024), was acquired by Longroad from First Solar in early 2021.
In a testament to their enduring collaboration, First Solar will supply Longroad with its cutting-edge Series 6 Plus solar modules for the Sun Streams 4 project.
The financing for this ambitious project was led by CIBC, with participation from ANZ, PNC, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank AG, CoBank, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, National Australia Bank, and Société Générale. CIBC played a pivotal role as Coordinating Lead Arranger, Administrative Agent, and Collateral Agent, while ANZ served as Joint Lead Arranger and Green Loan Coordinator. U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance also served as Joint Lead Arranger and Depositary Bank.
During the construction phase of Sun Streams 4, it is anticipated to employ over 200 individuals. McCarthy Building Companies, with its Renewable Energy team based in Phoenix, Arizona, was selected as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the project. McCarthy’s track record includes the successful construction of the award-winning Sun Streams 2 project and the ongoing development of Sun Streams 3. The project will adhere to prevailing wage standards and make use of registered apprentices in accordance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The 300 MWac / 1200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) for Sun Streams 4 will be supplied by U.S.-based energy storage platform provider Powin. This BESS will incorporate SMA inverters and cells from AESC, integrated into Powin’s Modular and Scalable Centipede Energy Storage Platform. Longroad, in collaboration with Powin and NovaSource Power Services, will provide long-term operations and maintenance services.
Nextracker is responsible for supplying trackers for the project, while Sungrow will provide the solar inverters. Comprehensive operations and maintenance services for the project will be managed by NovaSource Power Services, in conjunction with Longroad’s affiliate, Longroad Energy Services.