Green power could also be extra accessible to residents of western Marin because of a brand new photo voltaic venture.
A 1-megawatt initiative referred to as the Fallon Two Rock photo voltaic venture is estimated to energy 400 houses by producing 2,300 megawatt hours per yr.
The venture, positioned on a 4.5-acre website in Tomales, is a collaboration between MCE and Santa Clara-based Renewable America. As the venture strikes towards the corporate’s total power portfolio, it should first profit subscribers of the clear power supplier in western Marin.
“Electricity is like water, in that it flows to the closest supply that wants it,” mentioned Jenna Tenney, a spokeswoman for MCE. “Since this venture is positioned in Marin, the electrical energy will go on to the grid and energy the closest houses and companies with clear electrical energy. In addition, the location permits continued agricultural use for livestock grazing like sheep.
The venture is the most recent addition to MCE’s portfolio, which incorporates 48 megawatts of native power technology.
The website was chosen for its dimension and zoning, which permits for photo voltaic. The venture value about $2.2 million and took 4 years to finish, mentioned Richele Delapaz of Renewable America.
The deal additionally contains $20,000 from RNA Services LLC, a subsidiary of the photo voltaic firm, to MCE for workforce improvement, the utility mentioned.
“Clean power is only one a part of the transition to a sustainable future,” Supervisor Katie Rice, an MCE board member, mentioned in an announcement. “The further funding generated by RNA will assist MCE develop the clear power economic system, offering coaching alternatives for native residents to enter the inexperienced workforce.”
Tenney mentioned native renewable power is a primary step towards stronger communities however the perceived value is usually a barrier.
“Many individuals consider that if it is extra renewable or ‘cleaner’ it have to be costlier,” he mentioned. “Clean power is all the time simpler than individuals understand.”
Local tasks just like the Fallon Two Rock initiative are a win as a result of it is costly to construct small native power technology, which is usually extra sophisticated due to laws in locations the place individuals dwell, Tenney mentioned.
“Every venture like this can be a labor of affection and we need to rejoice that,” Tenney mentioned. “Clean power is one thing that everybody ought to have entry to.”
MCE, previously often known as Marin Clean Energy, operates in Marin, Contra Costa, Napa and Solano counties. The firm says it serves about 1.5 million residents and companies in 37 communities.
