Background

In 2008, California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) required that electric service providers regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission achieve goals of 33% by the end of 2020. IID established an Integrated Resource Plan to meet the state’s greenhouse gas and renewable mandates by adding renewable sources to its portfolio. This project is part of IID’s plan to comply with this standard.

Project Scope

The project consisted of the construction and operation of a photovoltaic solar park using polycrystalline photovoltaic modules mounted on single-axis trackers with an installed capacity of 20 megawatts in alternating current (MW_AC). The solar park began commercial operations in October 2013 and has been operating in line with expectations. To improve plant performance, in 2021, the sponsor decided to replace all the inverters and upgrade its SCADA system, which will enable the solar park to increase energy production, as well as reduce its operating costs.

Benefits

Reduced demand for traditional fossil-fuel based energy generation resulting in less greenhouse gases, thus improving air quality, while providing the citizens of Imperial County, California, with a safe, reliable energy alternative. In its first year of operation, a total of 15,036 metric tons of carbon dioxide and 24 metric tons of nitrogen oxide emissions were avoided.