Boise, Idaho - June 30, 2016 - Frontier Solar, a 28 megawatt solar facility developed by Clēnera, has entered operations. Frontier Solar features more than 90,000 modules, and is situated on 158 acres of low-productivity farmland in Stanislaus County, California near Crows Landing. A natural vegetation management method is used where sheep graze on vegetation around and beneath the solar panels to prevent weeds and grasses from growing over and shading the panels. 

In an effort to meet or exceed a 50% renewable portfolio standard level by 2017, the City of Palo Alto entered a power purchase agreement with Frontier Solar that will supply the City with clean energy for 30 years. This solar project was the third utility-scale project contracted by the City of Palo Alto as part of their plan to invest $350 million in a solar-powered future.  

“The City was recently recognized by the Smart Electric Power Alliance last year for having installed the third-largest amount of solar capacity per customer of all utilities in the country. The successful startup of the Frontier Solar project signifies that Palo Alto will continue to lead the way in providing sustainable, low-cost electricity supplies to its customers,” said Ed Shikada, Assistant City Manager and Interim Utilities Director in a news release. 

Frontier Solar is expected to produce enough energy to supply at least 5% of the City’s annual electricity needs and avoid nearly 187 million pounds of carbon dioxide. 

Not only is Frontier Solar delivering affordable, clean energy to the community, it is also serving as a source of income for the landowners who benefit from leasing the acres of unviable farmland to Frontier Solar, LLC. 

“The partnership is a win-win for all parties involved, including utility customers who can have the satisfaction of knowing the power they use is clean, renewable and low cost,” added Shikada. 

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 1.3 GW, with more than 14 GW of solar and storage assets in development. Learn more at www.clenera.com.

About the City of Palo Alto Utilities 

The City of Palo Alto is the only municipality in California operating a full suite of utility services, including water, wastewater, electric and fiber optics, natural gas, refuse and storm drain services. For more about CPAU’s solar programs, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/solar. 

Media Contact:

Clēnera
208-968-7403
pr@clenera.com

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