Two solar companies have partnered to build an 8.5-MW Houston-Alaska Solar Farm in Alaska. Initially, Renewable IPP started working on this project but was later joined by CleanCapital, which owns over 200 solar projects. As a huge investor in solar energy across the U.S, CleanCapital made moves to own the project. Therefore, financing for the construction will be provided by the New York-based CleanCapital.
The 8.5-MW Houston-Alaska Solar Farm is intended to supply renewable energy to Alaska utility Matanuska Electric Association (MEA). Upon completion, the solar farm is expected to provide enough power for approximately 1,400 homes per year. Thereby helping with the diversification of energy generation and also stabilizing energy prices in the state.
Construction of the facility is commencing this month, with its delivery date set for summer 2023. Early site preparations have already begun on a 160-acre tract of land. The developers are currently clearing the land, located west of the community’s junior and senior high school. However, only 45 acres of the tract will be used for the solar panel installation.
Houston-Alaska Solar farm to outshine Willow solar farm
The CEO of Renewable, Jenn Miller mentioned that the installation would involve setting up 14,000 panels in 20 rows. Besides its smaller space requirements, the Houston-Alaska Solar Farm will have panels that absorb sunlight from two sides. This is a major improvement, which implies having an extra boost from ground snow. Furthermore, it also accommodates the growth of blueberry and cranberry bushes in between the rows of panels.
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The output of the Houston-Alaska Solar Farm upon completion would be six times more than Renewable’s existing 1.2 megawatts Willow solar farm. As a result, this development would nearly double the solar power output in the state.
In conclusion, Miller expressed her gratitude to CleanCapital for making the Houston-Alaska Solar Farm a “dream come true” moment for them. She stated that Renewable IPP was centered around partnering with a capable and collaborative team. Moreover, she said it’s thanks to CleanCapital’s support that their company can work towards expanding solar deployment worldwide.
