Thanks to a large new solar installation constructed by Recurrent Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., approximately 45,000 more homes in California will now have access to 100% renewable energy. The Mustang solar project, spread across 1,000 acres in Kings County, California, has reached commercial operation and is expected to produce 100 MWac/134 MWp of electricity.
“The commercial operation of the Mustang solar project continues a historic year that will see Recurrent Energy complete more than one gigawatt of U.S. solar photovoltaic (PV) projects,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar.
The renewable energy generated by Mustang’s single-axis trackers will be sold under long-term power purchase agreements to Sonoma Clean Power and MCE. The project is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes.
Sonoma Clean Power and MCE are both not-for-profit agencies, offering their customers the option of using environmentally friendly power, generated by renewable sources, like solar, wind and geothermal, at competitive rates.
The power purchase agreement allowed Recurrent Energy to secure a tax equity investment commitment from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. Adam Altenhofen, the bank’s vice president, commented on the reasons for the investment by saying “High-quality solar projects like Mustang are an important strategic investment for U.S. Bank, which provide jobs to local communities, while delivering clean, reliable energy to the state of California.”
Recurrent Energy employed approximately 450 during the peak of construction, and supported the local economy by spending more than $3 million on local construction materials and services such as food and housing. In terms of long-term economic benefits, the project will generate $3.6 million in tax revenue for the county and $8.1 million in tax revenue for the state.
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