Swinerton Renewable Energy builds 200-megawatt Central Valley solar installation

California’s largest solar installation built exclusively for a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) agency has broken ground in California’s Central Valley. Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), the electricity provider for 290,000 San Mateo County customers, expects the 200-megawatt utility-scale Wright Solar project to come online in late 2019.

A news release says the project is owned by Centaurus Renewable Energy and the construction and operations are managed by Clēnera, LLC. The solar facility is being constructed by Swinerton Renewable Energy with union labor hired from the surrounding areas. It will produce enough electricity to power more than 100,000 San Mateo County homes a year.

“This is a huge step for Peninsula Clean Energy and our customers,” said CEO Jan Pepper. “The Wright Solar project moves us toward our goal of providing all customers with 100 percent renewable power by 2025. This long-term contract locks in the price we pay for electricity, which helps ensure that our rates will remain low. The size of the project is unique for a CCA and positions PCE as a leader in the industry.”

“This project will help the County achieve multiple goals,” Lloyd Pareira, vice-chairman of the Merced County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. “From new construction jobs being created to millions of dollars in new tax revenues being realized, we are pleased this investment is being made in our county.”