Avangrid to first PV project in California with 57 MW Camino Solar

Avangrid plans to build the 57 MWdc / 44 MWac Camino Solar project, its first solar project in California, where the company currently operates more than 500 MW of renewable energy assets through six wind energy facilities.

To be constructed by Cupertino Electric Inc. in Kern County, the project is adjacent to Avangrid’s 189 MW Manzana Wind farm and will employ more than 100 people during construction. The project is expected to be commercially operational in 2025 and will generate roughly $15.5 million in local taxes during its lifetime. With more than 105,000 panels, the construction will be completed approximately one year after the start of mobilization.

“We are thrilled to announce Camino Solar, a significant milestone for our company in California,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, a sustainable energy company that is part of the Iberdrola Group. “This project further strengthens Avangrid’s commitment to developing the renewable projects needed to address climate change, while also contributing to the local economies in the communities in which we are present.”

Avangrid is the third largest renewable energy operator in the United States with 8.7 GW of installed and operated capacity, and one of the top renewable energy developers in the country.

“Cupertino Electric has built more than 40 renewable energy projects in Kern County, California, and we’re honored to be involved with Avangrid’s inaugural project in the area,” said Chris Martin, VP of operations, energy for the electrical contractor. “Bringing clean energy to communities big and small is our specialty and why we’re ranked the largest solar and storage contractor in the U.S.”

Headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, the company owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, Avangrid owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. The company employs more than 7,500 people.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/avangrid-to-first-pv-project-in-california-with-57-mw-camino-solar/]