Green vitality could also be extra accessible to residents of western Marin due to a brand new photo voltaic undertaking.
A 1-megawatt initiative known as the Fallon Two Rock photo voltaic undertaking is estimated to energy 400 houses by producing 2,300 megawatt hours per yr.
The undertaking, positioned on a 4.5-acre website in Tomales, is a collaboration between MCE and Santa Clara-based Renewable America. As the undertaking strikes towards the corporate’s general vitality portfolio, it would first profit subscribers of the clear vitality supplier in western Marin.
“Electricity is like water, it flows to the closest supply that wants it,” mentioned Jenna Tenney, a spokeswoman for MCE. “Because this undertaking is positioned in Marin, the electrical energy will go straight into the grid and energy close by houses and companies with clear electrical energy.
The undertaking is the most recent addition to MCE’s portfolio, which incorporates 48 megawatts of native vitality technology.
The website was chosen for its measurement and zoning, which permits for photo voltaic. The undertaking value about $2.2 million and took 4 years to finish, mentioned Richele Delapaz of Renewable America.
The deal additionally consists of $20,000 from RNA Services LLC, a subsidiary of the photo voltaic firm, to MCE for workforce improvement, the utility mentioned.
“Clean vitality is only one a part of the transition to a sustainable future,” Supervisor Katie Rice, an MCE board member, mentioned in an announcement. “The extra funding generated by RNA will assist MCE develop the clear vitality financial system, offering coaching alternatives for native residents to enter the inexperienced workforce.”
Tenney mentioned native renewable vitality 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 vitality is at all times simpler than individuals understand.”
Local initiatives just like the Fallon Two Rock initiative are a win as a result of it is costly to construct small native vitality technology, which is usually extra sophisticated due to rules in locations the place individuals reside, Tenney mentioned.
“Every undertaking like this can be a labor of affection and we wish to have a good time that,” Tenney mentioned. “Clean vitality is one thing that everybody ought to have entry to.”
MCE, previously generally 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.
