An aerial photo of GSPP’s 26 MW DC addition to the Westlands Solar Park.
Green Street Power Partners (GSPP), a national developer, financier, owner and operator of solar energy systems, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its 26-MWDC Westlands Almond solar project in Kings County, California. This utility-scale solar installation marks GSPP’s largest solar array to date. Project completion was made possible in part by GSPP’s partners on the Westlands Solar Park project. The project was developed by Golden State Clean Energy, while Baker Electric provided engineering, procurement and construction services.
“This is a landmark project for our team and a pivotal moment for our growth trajectory,” said Jason Kuflik, CEO at GSPP. “While our team sees this project as a sizeable contribution to California solar, it’s both humbling and motivating to join the Westlands Solar Park, which will contain 2,700 MW once fully built out. As always, we’re proud to contribute to the country’s transition to renewable energy and can’t wait to see what the future brings for our team.”
This California solar project is expected to generate approximately 57 million kWh in its first year of production and over 1.8 billion kWh over its 35 years of usable life.
“The Westlands Almond Solar project was Green Street and Baker’s first project working together,” said Daniel Sicard, senior director of pre-construction/utility renewables. “Both teams were able to work collaboratively and create a very successful partnership for both companies; one we both look forward to repeating.”
Agrivoltaics, which is the use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation, will play a key role at the site. GSPP will use sheep grazing for vegetation management in future seasons.
The Westlands Almond solar photovoltaic system is selling the renewable energy to Calpine Energy Solutions. Under the contract with Calpine, the electricity will be delivered to the California Independent System Operator and RECs will be sold to end user Amy’s Kitchen.
Project financing was secured through two leading renewable industry financial institutions. Live Oak Bank provided permanent debt funding, while Nelnet Renewable Energy provided both sponsor equity and tax equity funding.
“Nelnet Renewable Energy is proud to partner with Green Street Power Partners to bring this project to fruition. Having now partnered with Green Street on several projects over the years, it is rewarding to co-own this project with them for the long term. This is a project that further fulfills our purpose of powering the dreams of the next generation,” said Scott Gubbels, president of Nelnet Renewable Energy.
News item from Green Street Power Partners
