WAPELLO, IA –April 9, 2021 – Clenera, LLC, joined by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO)and RES (Renewable Energy Systems), hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today at Wapello Solar LLC located near Wapello, Iowa. Landowners, federal, state, and local officials, along with energy industry leaders, gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the 127.5 MWDC solar facility.
Dignitaries in attendance included Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor, Adam Gregg; Senator Joni Ernst; Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks; and Iowa State Senator, Tim Goodwin.
Clēnera partnered with RES to construct Wapello Solar in six months, creating approximately 250 jobs at peak construction. Despite beginning construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wapello Solar progressed with little to no delays and entered commercial operation on March 8, 2021.
Located on nearly 800 acres, Wapello Solar features 318,000 bifacial solar panels supplied by Risen Energy that are fixed to FTC Solar’s Voyager single-axis trackers, which are optimized for bifacial performance. The 34 Sungrow inverters work to convert the 127.5 megawatts of direct current into alternating current. Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) is purchasing the demand and energy from Wapello Solar through an exclusive 25-year power purchase agreement.
"The commercial operation of Wapello Solar adds an important source to our diverse portfolio for member-owners," said CIPCO Executive Vice President and CEO Bill Cherrier. "CIPCO strives to provide wholesale power and services in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner, and Wapello Solar moves this mission forward."
“Wapello Solar highlights RES’ vision to create a future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy, and we are pleased to see this project achieve commercial operation,” said Tim Jordan, Senior VP of Solar Construction at RES. “This project is a real credit to all the construction workers, suppliers, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to get to the finish line.”
FTC Solar’s CEO, Tony Etnyre, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Clēnera and RES on this wonderful project, which is a major milestone for solar energy in Iowa.”
“The Wapello Solar Project is another landmark for the strong multi-year partnership between Sungrow and Clēnera. Clēnera’s entrepreneurial and impressive PV/Storage portfolio met with Sungrow’s bankability and technology prowess will continue to effectively support the national mobilization towards building the renewable future,” said Hank Wang, President of Sungrow Americas.
“We look forward to supplying Clēnera projects through dynamic industry leaders like RES and are energized by their enthusiasm in selecting Sungrow as a long-term technology partner,” added Karsten Mall, Sungrow’s recently appointed General Manager of the Company’s North American division.
“On time is more money,” paraphrased Mr. Bypina Veerraju Chaudary, CSMO of Risen Energy. “Placing close to a third of a million bifacial long-life solar panels in Louisa County, in time for grid connection, ensures that the good people of Iowa can have clean energy and its associated benefits, today, and for many decades to come.”
“At Clēnera, we believe in supporting local communities and providing reliable, affordable, and clean energy to utilities and the valuable people they serve,” said Clēnera CEO, Jason Ellsworth. “We appreciate the support for Wapello Solar from Clēnera’s utility, technology, EPC, and landowner partners, as well as the community and local businesses.
At the end of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Clēnera, CIPCO, and RES presented charitable donations to Wapello High School’s STEM activities, Wapello High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, and Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach office, respectively.
About Clēnera
Clenera, LLC (“Clēnera”) is a privately-held renewable energy company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Clēnera acquires, develops, builds and manages utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team approach, Clēnera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become clean energy leaders in their communities. Clēnera’s current operating portfolio exceeds 1.6 GW, with more than 15 GW of solar and storage assets in development. Learn more at www.clenera.com.
About Central Iowa Power Cooperative
CIPCO is a generation and transmission electric cooperative owned by member cooperatives and the communities they serve. With a balanced, 24/7 energy portfolio, CIPCO is committed to providing cost-effective, safe, and reliable energy. CIPCO and its 13 members serve over 300,000 Iowans in 58 Iowa counties. CIPCO’s offices are located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Creston, and Wilton, Iowa. For more information visit www.cipco.net.
About FTC Solar
FTC Solar is a fast-growing, global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.
Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and maintains sales and support resources in Australia, Europe, India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit https://www.ftcsolar.com/.
About RES
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. At the forefront of the industry for 39 years, RES has delivered more than 19 GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 7 GW worldwide for a large client base. We understand the unique needs of corporate clients and have secured 1.5 GW of power purchase agreements, enabling access to energy at the lowest cost. RES employs more than 3,000 people and is active in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.res-group.com.
About Risen
Risen Energy is a leading, global, Tier1, “AAA” credit rated manufacturer of high-performance solar photovoltaic products and provider of total business solutions for power generation. The Company, founded in 1986and publicly listed in 2010, compels value generation for its global customers. Techno-commercial innovation, underpinned by consummate quality and support, encircle Risen total Solar PV business solutions which are among the most powerful and cost effective in the industry. With local market presence, and strong financial bankability status, we are committed, and able, to building strategic, mutually beneficial collaborations with our partners, as together we capitalise on the rising value of green energy.
About Sungrow
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. (“Sungrow”) is the world’s most bankable inverter brand with over 154 GW installed worldwide as of December 2020. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters, with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial& industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting www.us.sungrowpower.com.
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