Dimension Energy, a US-based community solar developer and operator, has completed a 44-MW solar farm in Inyokern, California. The company says it is the largest third-party-owned community solar project in the United States.
Solar Project to Provide Clean Energy and Support Local Initiatives
The project will deliver 44 MW of community solar power, thereby providing clean energy to thousands of households in Long Beach and Corona across Southern California. Partnerships with these cities have underscored the potential of this initiative.
Additionally, the project supports AT&T and Crown Castle in meeting their renewable energy goals. Dimension envisions future community solar projects replacing polluting peaker plants in underserved areas, while further supporting community organizations such as the Redwood Family Care Network.
Sam Younes, Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer, Dimension Energy, stated: “Dimension has an unparalleled understanding of community solar markets that allows us to recognize and seize opportunities that other people don’t see. We turned a struggling utility-scale site into the largest community solar project in the country despite tremendous policy hurdles in the state by taking advantage of the niche Green Tariff Enhanced Community Renewables program. Aside from our Inyokern project, this program has been essentially non-functional.”
Dimension Secures $100M for California Solar Project
As California faces challenges in creating a scalable and affordable community solar program, Dimension successfully secured over $100 million in project capital for the initiative. The deal — finalized at the close of 2023 — includes partners such as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), First Citizens Bank, National Bank of Canada, Comerica and NT Solar.
Sayoji Goli, Managing Director for Silicon Valley Bank, stated: “SVB is excited to have led and structured Inyokern, the largest third-party-owned community solar development. This landmark project will create a renewable energy source to serve thousands of households and generate significant savings for subscribers. We are excited to continue to support Dimension and their ongoing efforts to expand access to clean energy for residents and businesses.”
Solar Project to Cut 21,667 Tons of Emissions Annually
The Inyokern facility, the largest non-utility-owned community solar project in the U.S., will produce enough clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21,667 metric tons annually (equivalent to the emissions from over 4,700 cars) once it is activated later this year, thereby contributing to efforts to replace polluting peaker plants in historically underserved communities.