San Diego-based Avantus has started commercial operations at the its Aratina 1 Solar-Battery Storage Project in California. Aratina 1 is a 200MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility paired with a 500MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kern County, California. The project is one of the first assets to enter operation under Avantus’ strategy of becoming an independent power producer (IPP), rather than solely developing and selling renewable energy projects.
Aratina 1 solar-BESS project construction financing
Aratina 1 operational milestone follows more than US$800 million in financing activity completed over the past year. This also includes over US$500 million in construction financing and a subsequent US$300 million tax equity investment from Truist Bank, which enabled the project to move through construction and into service.
The Kern County solar-plus-battery storage project allows electricity generated during daylight hours to be stored and dispatched during periods of peak demand. The hybrid configuration is expected to improve grid reliability while supporting California’s transition toward a cleaner and more flexible electricity system.
Broader Aratina Solar Center development
Located in eastern Kern County near the communities of Boron and Desert Lake, Aratina 1 forms the initial operating phase of the wider Aratina Solar Center development. Once the entire project is completed, the site will comprise 350MW of solar generation capacity together with large-scale battery storage capable of supplying electricity to more than 180,000 homes. Construction on the remaining phases continues.
Avantus’s Aratina 1 created hundreds of construction jobs during the just completed phase. It is also expected to generate long-term tax revenues for Kern County throughout its operating life.
Additionally, electricity output has been contracted under long-term power purchase agreements with several California Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs), providing stable clean energy supplies to participating communities.
Renewable energy expansion
Aratina 1 solar-plus-battery storage project also represents an important strategic milestone for Avantus. This follows its acquisition by private investment firm KKR and its transition into a long-term owner and operator of renewable energy assets. The company currently has an extensive development pipeline spanning approximately 30GW of solar capacity and 94GWh of battery storage across the western United States.
California also continues to expand investment in hybrid solar-plus-storage developments with projects such as the Darden Clean Energy Project which will feature the largest battery energy system in the world once complete. This is as increasing renewable penetration drives demand for flexible generation capable of supplying electricity after sunset. Projects such as Aratina 1 solar-BESS are expected to play a growing role in balancing the state’s grid. This is while reducing dependence on fossil-fuel peaking plants.
Aratina 1 Solar-Battery Energy Storage (BESS) Project: Fact Sheet
Location: Kern County, California
Developer/owner/operator: Avantus
Overall development: Aratina Solar Center
Status: Phase 1 commercial operations commenced
Phase 2 status: Under construction
Aratina 1 solar capacity: 200 MW
Aratina 1 battery storage capacity: 500 MWh
Phase 2 capacities: Solar at 150 MW and battery storage at 452 MWh
Power purchasers: Multiple California Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) under 20-year PPAs
Aratina 1 financing milestones: Over US$500 million construction financing (2025). US$300 million tax equity investment from Truist Bank (2025)
Lead financing institutions:
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
- Truist Securities
- ING Capital
- Mizuho
- Truist Bank (Tax Equity)
Legal advisers:
- White & Case (Avantus)
- Milbank (Truist)
- CCA (financial adviser to Truist)
Project benefits:
- Dispatchable renewable energy
- Grid reliability
- Job creation
- Local tax revenues
- Reduced carbon emissions
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