Avangrid Completes Installation for 44-MW California Solar Park

• Avangrid celebrates a solar milestone in California, completing 105,000 PV module installations at Camino solar park, poised to power 14,000 homes annually with renewable energy!

Avangrid Inc., a subsidiary of Iberdrola SA, has successfully completed the installation of all photovoltaic modules at its 44-MW Camino solar park in Kern County, California. The installation involved mounting 105,000 PV modules over the past four months, with the project expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 14,000 average US homes annually.

Next steps include ongoing work on the collector systems, electrical wiring, and commissioning activities, with grid connection anticipated next year. The Camino solar park is located on private land and over 200 acres managed by the US Bureau of Land Management, adjacent to Avangrid’s existing 189-MW Manzana wind farm. Once operational, it will be Avangrid’s 10th solar project and its first in California.

What are the next steps for Avangrid's Camino solar park project in California?

Here is an expanded overview of the next steps for Avangrid's Camino solar park project in California:

• Collector System Installation: The next phase will focus on finalizing the installation of the collector systems, which are essential for gathering electricity generated by the PV modules and funneling it to the inverters.
• Electrical Wiring: Crews will complete the electrical wiring throughout the site to connect the solar arrays with the inverters and the main energy output system. This step is critical for ensuring a seamless power flow from the solar park to the grid.
• Inverter Setup: Installation and configuration of the inverters will take place. Inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used in homes and businesses.
• Testing and Commissioning: A series of testing and commissioning activities will be conducted to ensure all components function as intended and meet safety and performance standards. This includes checking the efficiency of the panels and the overall system operations.
• Grid Connection Preparation: Preparation work for connecting the solar park to the grid will be carried out. This involves ensuring that infrastructure is in place for a smooth integration into the existing power network.
• Regulatory Approvals: Avangrid will finalize any necessary regulatory approvals required for the commissioning and grid connection, liaising with authorities to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Project Monitoring Systems: Implementation of monitoring systems and software will be established to track the operational performance of the solar park once it is up and running.
• Community Engagement: Avangrid may engage with the local community and stakeholders to inform them about the upcoming operational status of the solar park, including potential economic benefits and environmental impacts.
• Sustainability Practices: Emphasis on sustainable practices will continue as the project moves toward operation, which includes plans for managing land use and habitat protection in coordination with the US Bureau of Land Management.
• Future Development Plans: Following the successful launch of the Camino solar park, Avangrid may explore additional solar opportunities in California and beyond, leveraging the experience gained from this project.
• Monitoring and Maintenance Prep: After commissioning, Avangrid will establish protocols for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the solar park throughout its operational life.

Each of these steps is vital in ensuring that the Camino solar park not only gets up and running efficiently but also integrates well with the existing energy infrastructure while aligning with sustainable practices.