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Construction underway at biggest solar site in Texas

Construction is now beginning at the Blue Wing Solar Farm site in San Antonio

Construction has begun in southeast San Antonio at the site for what is to become the largest solar power plant in Texas.

The Blue Wing Solar Project is being developed by Juwi Solar, Inc., which sold the project to North Carolina firm Duke Energy back in January (see this BrighterEnergy.org story).

CPS Energy is set to buy the renewable electricity generated by the facility, which will generate 16 megawatts of Direct Current electricity, converting into 14MW of AC power to export to the grid.

Using 214,500 ground-mounted, fixed solar photovoltaic panels on the 139-acre site, the new plant will be clearly visible from the IH 37 and US 181 highways, which intersect nearby.

It is expected to generate around 26,570 megawatt-hours of power each year, enough to supply around 1,800 local homes.

Cris Eugster, executive VP and chief sustainability officer for CPS Energy, said: “We’re very excited to be breaking ground on a solar farm that will be operational in San Antonio by the end of this year.”

Solar panels produce best during hot summer afternoons when the wind isn’t blowing at West Texas wind farms” - Cris Eugster, CPS Energy

PPA

The Blue Wind Solar Project is subject to a 30-year power purchase agreement between CPS and Duke Energy Generation Services, which includes power and associated renewable energy credits.

Michael Martin, managing director at Juwi, which is based in Boulder, Colorado, said: “The ground breaking of this project is a very important milestone that represents tangible progress.”

Fixed-position solar panels will provide enough electricity to supply 1,800 local homes

The project developer is donating two solar PV systems to two nearby schools to help raise local awareness about the new solar farm.

Locally-based CPS Energy, one of the largest municipal-owned utilities, said the solar generating facility would fit will with its wind farms in West Texas.

Mr Eugster said: “Solar is a nice complement to wind power because solar panels produce best during hot summer afternoons when the wind isn’t blowing at West Texas wind farms.

“Solar power is more expensive than wind, but it will help us supply more energy during peak power times when Greater San Antonio’s electrical needs are greatest.”