Silicon Ranch has completed a 20-MW solar + storage project for the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) in Arizona. The project, known as the McNeal Solar Farm, includes an 80 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and will provide renewable energy to more than 3,000 households in the southeastern part of the state. SSVEC’s CEO, Jason Bowling, emphasized that the project will increase the amount of affordable, renewable energy available to the cooperative’s members while ensuring system reliability and promoting energy independence. Through its partnership with Silicon Ranch, SSVEC has been able to expand its renewable energy portfolio and meet the growing demand for clean energy in its service territory. The completion of the project marks a significant step towards reliability, energy independence, and stable electricity prices for SSVEC.
Silicon Ranch completes 20-MW solar + storage project for Arizona electric co-op
Silicon Ranch recently announced the completion of the 20-MWAC McNeal Solar Farm, a project in partnership with the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) in Arizona. This innovative project includes an 80 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), allowing SSVEC to meet the increasing load demand and power needs of over 3,000 households in southeastern Arizona.
About the Project
Introduction
The McNeal Solar Farm project is a significant accomplishment for SSVEC and Silicon Ranch in their mission to provide affordable, renewable energy to the cooperative’s members. This project supports system reliability, promotes energy independence, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Overview of the McNeal Solar Farm
The McNeal Solar Farm is a 20-MWAC solar project located in Arizona. It consists of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, which is then fed into the grid to power homes and businesses.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The McNeal Solar Farm is equipped with an 80 MWh battery energy storage system. This storage capacity allows SSVEC to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during peak demand periods, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply to its members.
Meeting Load Demand and Power Needs
The McNeal Solar Farm and its battery energy storage system enable SSVEC to meet the increasing load demand and power needs of its members. With this project, SSVEC can expand its renewable energy portfolio and provide clean and affordable power to its growing member base.
Benefits for SSVEC
Increased Affordable Renewable Energy
The completion of the McNeal Solar Farm allows SSVEC to increase the amount of affordable, renewable energy available to its members. By generating clean energy from the sun, SSVEC can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and offer more competitive electricity rates to its members.
System Reliability and Energy Independence
By incorporating a battery energy storage system into the project, SSVEC enhances system reliability and reduces the risk of power outages. The battery storage system provides backup power during periods of high demand or when solar generation is limited, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to SSVEC members.
Promoting Energy Independence
The McNeal Solar Farm project is a significant step toward promoting energy independence for SSVEC and its members. By diversifying its energy sources and relying on renewable energy, SSVEC reduces its dependence on imported fossil fuels and contributes to a more sustainable energy future.
Supporting Members and Communities
The completion of this solar + storage project demonstrates SSVEC’s commitment to supporting its members and the communities it serves. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, SSVEC creates job opportunities, promotes local economic growth, and improves the well-being of its members.
Transition to Clean Energy Sources
The McNeal Solar Farm represents SSVEC’s ongoing transition to clean energy sources. By shifting its energy procurement from coal to natural gas, hydropower, and solar power, SSVEC reduces its carbon footprint and contributes to mitigating climate change.
Partnership with Silicon Ranch
Role of Silicon Ranch
Silicon Ranch played a vital role in the development and implementation of the McNeal Solar Farm project. As a leading developer and operator of solar energy projects, Silicon Ranch brought its expertise and financial resources to the partnership, ensuring the successful completion of the project.
Development and Funding of the Project
Silicon Ranch developed and funded the McNeal Solar Farm project, demonstrating its commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions. The company invested more than $70 million in installing the solar farm and battery energy storage system, furthering its mission to promote sustainable and resilient communities.
Long-Term Ownership and Operation
Silicon Ranch will also serve as the long-term owner and operator of the McNeal Solar Farm. This long-term commitment ensures that the project continues to deliver clean energy and economic benefits to SSVEC and the surrounding community for years to come.
Investment and Economic Impact
Financial Investment by Silicon Ranch
Silicon Ranch’s investment of over $70 million in the McNeal Solar Farm project demonstrates its commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure. This financial investment enables the project to provide clean and affordable energy to SSVEC members while creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the region.
Tax Revenues for Cochise County
The completion of the McNeal Solar Farm will generate significant new tax revenues for Cochise County. These tax revenues can be utilized to support local infrastructure development, including schools, roads, and other community-identified priorities.
Support for Local Infrastructure and Schools
The tax revenues generated by the McNeal Solar Farm project will contribute to the improvement of local infrastructure in Cochise County. This funding can be used to upgrade schools, build new public facilities, and enhance community services, providing long-term benefits to the region.
Positive Economic Impact on the Community
The construction and operation of the McNeal Solar Farm project have a positive economic impact on the surrounding community. The project created job opportunities for more than 140 craft workers during the construction phase and will continue to support local employment through ongoing operation and maintenance activities.
Project Features
Solar and Battery Storage Capacity
The McNeal Solar Farm has a capacity of 20 MWAC, allowing it to generate a significant amount of clean energy. Additionally, with an 80 MWh battery energy storage system, the project can store excess solar energy for later use, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
New Substation and Interconnection Infrastructure
As part of the project, a new substation was constructed to replace an existing facility, serving SSVEC members in the area. The new substation includes necessary interconnection infrastructure, enabling the seamless integration of the McNeal Solar Farm with the SSVEC grid.
Conclusion
Celebrating SSVEC’s History of Service
The completion of the McNeal Solar Farm project represents a significant milestone in SSVEC’s 85-year history of providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to southeastern Arizona. This project reflects SSVEC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and supporting the well-being of its members.
Commitment to Stronger Communities
SSVEC’s partnership with Silicon Ranch in developing the McNeal Solar Farm highlights its commitment to building stronger and more resilient communities. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, SSVEC fosters local economic growth, promotes job creation, and contributes to the overall well-being of its service territory.
Impact on Renewable Energy Deployment
The McNeal Solar Farm project significantly contributes to the deployment of renewable energy in Arizona. By adding 20 MWAC of solar capacity and 80 MWh of battery energy storage, SSVEC increases its renewable energy portfolio and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits for Homes and Businesses
The completion of the McNeal Solar Farm project brings numerous benefits to homes and businesses in the SSVEC service territory. Members can enjoy increased access to affordable renewable energy, improved system reliability, and reduced reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based electricity sources. This project contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for all.
