California Unveils World's Largest Solar + Storage Marvel: Edwards & Sanborn Facility Shines Bright

 

Image Source: Edwards & Sanborn Solar + Storage Project (Credit: Mortenson)

Breaking news in the world of solar energy! California is now home to the largest solar + storage facility globally, with the Edwards & Sanborn Solar + Energy Storage site officially up and running in Kern County.

The project, spanning an impressive 4,660 acres, generates a whopping 875 MWdc of solar energy and boasts 3,287 MWh of energy storage. With a total interconnection capacity of 1,300 MW, it proudly claims the title of the "world's largest" solar + storage site.

This monumental achievement is the result of a groundbreaking public-private partnership with the U.S. Air Force, situated on a mix of private and Edwards Air Force Base land. Notably, it stands as the largest collaboration in the history of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Providing power to key entities like the city of San Jose, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the Clean Power Alliance, and even Starbucks, this project is a beacon of sustainable energy.

Developed by Terra-Gen and constructed by Mortenson, the project commenced in early 2021 and achieved "substantial completion" last year. The extensive construction efforts included laying over 98 miles of MV Wire, 361 miles of DC Wire, installing 120,720 batteries from LG Chem, Samsung, and BYD, and incorporating over 1.9 million First Solar panels.

Image Source: The Edwards Sanborn Solar + Storage project, captured by NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite (Credit: NASA).

Fun fact – last month, NASA's Landsat 9 satellite captured a breathtaking image of the project from space, showcasing its sheer magnitude.

This incredible feat is part of the Air Force Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) program, with the Air Force and Terra-Gen signing a 35-year agreement back in November 2018. This initiative allows private sector developers to lease underutilized Air Force land for renewable energy projects.

The Edwards array marks the fifth and most extensive solar EUL project in the Air Force, joining the ranks of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and two at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

The collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and private developers is a game-changer, not only for sustainable energy but also for the innovative use of military land. It's a giant leap towards a greener and more efficient future.