The Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center in Los Angeles, California — developed by Arevon — is now fully operational. With 758MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and a 1,200MWh battery energy storage system, the $2 billion mega-project represents a major leap toward LA’s clean energy goals.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the completion of both phases of the project on August 5, highlighting that it now supplies 7% of the city’s electricity needs and pushes LA’s clean energy share beyond 60%. It will be joined by the Darden Clean Energy Project (DCEP) when it is completed, now officially the largest battery energy storage system in the world once completed.
A Two-Phase Renewable Powerhouse
The Eland project was developed in two phases. Eland 1, which entered commercial operation in late 2024, includes 384MW of solar PV and a 200MW/600MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Eland 2, now online, adds 374MW of solar and another 200MW 4-hour duration BESS. Together, the system delivers renewable power with built-in storage to meet peak demand and nighttime energy needs.
Advanced Technology and Local Execution
The project uses Tesla’s Megapack 2XL battery units manufactured at the company’s Lathrop, California Megafactory. Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) were handled by SOLV Energy, with Nextracker supplying advanced solar tracking systems. The Eland Center marks the first integrated solar-and-storage project in the portfolio of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the primary offtaker under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
Cost Efficiency and Power Reliability
LADWP CEO Janisse Quinones described the Eland project as a landmark for affordability and innovation, stating it “has had the lowest cost for solar and storage, translating to more affordable bills for our customers.” The BESS component, key to the project’s performance, has already proven effective — Eland 1’s battery has been dispatched over 350 times, meeting 1,550 hours of peak-time demand and enabling over 1,400 hours of renewable energy delivery after sunset.
Regional Partnerships and Investment
In addition to LADWP, the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and Glendale Water & Power are also offtakers, securing 12.5% of Eland 1’s output. A total of US$2 billion in private capital has been invested into the project, including $1.1 billion in tax equity and debt financing secured for Eland 2 earlier this year. The project has created around 1,000 jobs, generated $36 million in local tax revenue, and supported local causes like park renovations, food banks, and community cleanups.
Meeting Future Energy Demands
Arevon emphasized that solar-plus-storage projects like Eland are vital in meeting rising electricity demand, especially from AI data centers. The company is already moving ahead with its next large-scale project — the 300MW/1,200MWh Nighthawk BESS in San Diego, backed by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Headquartered in Arizona, Arevon owns and operates 5GW of energy projects across 17 states, with an additional 6GW in development.
Community Engagement: A Key to Success
Arevon CEO Kevin Smith stressed the importance of engaging communities early and meaningfully in the development process. For Eland, the company prioritized local labor and maintained open communication with residents to ensure lasting positive impact. The company has at the same time embarked on the 300MW Nighthawk Energy Storage Project in Poway, California marking further inroads into California’s power suppyl sector.
Fast Facts: Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center
Location: Los Angeles, California
Developer: Arevon
Project Type: Utility-scale solar + battery storage
Total Cost: US$2 billion
Solar Capacity: 758MW
Battery Capacity: 1,200MWh (two 200MW/600MWh BESS units)
Main Offtaker: LADWP (25-year PPA)
Technology: Tesla Megapack 2XL
EPC Contractor: SOLV Energy
Solar Trackers: Nextracker
Jobs Created: Approx. 1,000
Community Benefits: $36M in local tax revenue, park upgrades, food bank support
Completion Date: August 5, 2025
Grid Support: 1,550 peak-time hours + night-time energy delivery
Dispatch Response Time: < 3 seconds
Conclusion
The Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center stands as a model for large-scale clean energy integration — combining smart design, reliable technology, and community focus. As cities around the world look for sustainable solutions, LA’s latest power asset offers a blueprint worth emulating.
