CalRENEW-1, a large California solar power installation, was today dedicated in the city of Mendota, in Fresno County. As the first utility-scale solar energy project to connect to California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) transmission grid, the project is the first of its kind. Many more like it are expected to follow.

CalRENEW-1 in Mendota, California

During the dedication ceremony, California’s Public Utilities Commissioner John Bohn, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Senior Vice President Fong Wan and representatives from Meridian Energy USA, the project’s developer, called the installation a significant step in meeting California’s renewable energy goals, which are the most ambitious in the nation.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was unable to attend, but he offered the following congratulations: “California has led the way in enacting ambitious policies and programs to combat climate change, reduce our dependency on oil and grow our green economy,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The addition of the CalRENEW-1 Solar Farm in Mendota is further evidence that reliable, renewable and pollution-free technology is here to stay. Projects like this one are helping us meet both our renewable energy goals and our economic needs by powering more homes and businesses with sunshine and creating more jobs.”

The installation was built by a subsidiary of Meridian Energy, Meridian USA (formerly Cleantech America), and has been operational since April 30. The 50-acre project is comprised of 50,000 solar modules, for a peak generating capacity of five megawatts (MWs). Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), a California utility, has signed up to purchase the plant’s output under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

CalRENEW-1 is unique for a number of reasons:

  • At the policy level, the solar installation was made possible by California’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which was adopted in 2002 through California Senate Bill 1078. Other solar farms have been announced in California and Nevada, but, as noted above, CalRENEW-1 is the first to connect to CAISO.
  • The project is also the first application in the U.S. of Sharp’s amorphous silicon thin-film modules.
  • Finally, CalRENEW is the first solar installation directly associated with SB1078 and represents the first power purchasing agreement (PPA) that PG&E has signed in order to meet renewable energy mandates.

Check out more pictures and info on Sharp USA’s Facebook page.