Vesper Energy's Deer Creek Solar Project Sold to Fortune 500

• Vesper Energy's Deer Creek project in Tulare County, CA, with 50 MW solar and storage capacity, sold to Fortune 500 energy company. Delays expected, but more projects in the pipeline.

US renewables developer-operator Vesper Energy has sold its 50-MW solar-plus-storage project, Deer Creek, in Tulare County, California to a leading Fortune 500 energy company. The project, located on 378 acres, has the potential for up to 50 MWac of solar and 50 MW of energy storage capacity. Vesper Energy had signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with California power firm Desert Community Energy for the electricity generated by the plant.

Construction of the Deer Creek project was initially set to begin in 2022, with power generation expected to start the following year. However, the project faced delays, with the Tulare County Planning Commission considering an extension of the special use permit until September 2025. Vesper Energy has two additional projects in development in Tulare County and a development pipeline of around 1,750 MW of solar and storage projects across California.

What led to delays in construction of Vesper Energy's Deer Creek solar project?

• Permitting issues: The project faced delays due to the need for an extension of the special use permit from the Tulare County Planning Commission.
• Environmental concerns: Environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures may have contributed to the delays in construction.
• Grid connection challenges: Securing grid connection for the project may have been a factor in the construction delays.
• Supply chain disruptions: The global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the timely delivery of equipment and materials for the project.
• Land acquisition issues: Securing the necessary land for the project may have been a challenge, leading to delays in construction.