White Pine Renewables, a renewable energy development company, has completed the Healdsburg floating solar project.
The project will deliver clean energy to Healdsburg, California under a 25-year power purchase agreement. With 4.78 MW DC and located by ponds in the city's sewage treatment plant, the project is the largest floating solar project to be completed in the United States to date.
The electricity generated by the project will meet approximately 8% of the city's total energy needs and is an important part of their plan to reach 60% renewable energy before 2030. Setting up the solar panels on the ponds also avoids using land for the project and reduces evaporation and algae growth – in favor of the surrounding vineyards, which rely on the treated water for irrigation.
“This project is an example of what makes White Pine so special,” says Evan Riley, CEO of White Pine Renewables. "We have combined innovative technology and an efficient capital structure to provide the city of Healdsburg with long-term savings."
Noria Energy jointly developed the project with White Pine and Collins Electrical Company Inc., a California-based contractor, provided installation services. The Healdsburg project was completed in less than six months from procurement to commissioning.
Floating PV, while still a small part of the overall solar market, is becoming increasingly popular due to its dual land use purpose and the generally higher generation of energy due to the cooling effects of water and wind.
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