8minutenergy Renewables breaks ground on 137 MW Springbok 1 Solar Farm

8minutenergy Renewables, LLC has hosted a groundbreaking event for construction of the 137 megawatts-dc (105 MW-ac) Springbok 1 Solar Farm, located 70 miles north of Los Angeles in Kern County, Calif.

Springbok 1 Solar Farm has a signed power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), on behalf of its participating member, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The Springbok 1 project is a utility-scale solar generation facility sited on up to about 700 acres of abandoned farmland taken out of production more than 20 years ago.

The solar power system for Springbok 1 Solar Farm is comprised of state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic modules, related power electronics and other components including an advanced tracking system that follows the sun to maximize energy production.

The project is expected to achive commercial operations in June 2016.

8minutenergy Chief Executive Officer Martin Hermann stated:

“This is an exciting day for everyone involved in the Springbok 1 project, as we move one step closer to providing clean energy to the people of Los Angeles. We began Springbok 1 in 2011, and the solar farm is yet another example of 8minutenergy delivering projects from conception to construction.”

8minutenergy President Tom Buttgenbach commented:

“Each step of this process we have enjoyed strong working relationships with SCPPA/LADWP and the Kern County Planning and Development Department, among other local and community organizations. Add to that the economic impact the project is having in the region, and we believe this project is a model for productive private and public partnership.”