Leeward Renewable Energy has opened the 100 MW Rabbitbrush solar array in California, which includes a 20 MW/50 MWh battery storage system, and will sell power to two community power providers under a 15-year power purchase agreement.
US-based renewable energy developer Leeward Renewable Energy's Rabbitbrush solar power plant in Kern County, California, is now in commercial operation. The 100 MW project site is complemented by a 20 MW/50 MWh energy storage system, 415,000 thin-film photovoltaic modules and lithium-ion batteries.
Leeward will sell power to two non-profit community power providers - Central Coast Community Energ and Silicon Valley Clean Energy - under a 15-year power purchase agreement. -to sell electricity.
Leeward completed its construction financing and tax equity commitment letter in June 2022 and secured tax equity financing in October of this year. The funding includes $58.5 million in green loan construction financing and $62.5 million in tax equity commitments.
Leeward originally acquired the Rabbitbrush project from First Solar as part of a $261 million deal between the two companies. The solar module manufacturer sold its 10 GW platform of utility-scale solar projects to Leeward.
Responsible renewable energy development will go hand in hand with wildlife conservation," said Garry George, director of the National Audubon Society's Clean Energy Initiative. The contribution made will help these buzzards survive and thrive in California's Antelope Valley."