Unintended consequences: ‘Natural’ Technological Hazards: California Valley Solar Ranch
Exactly, how much land and how many dead animals does it take to provide “safe,” “reliable,” and “green” subsidized energy to an astoundingly few number of homes? Is it “Environmentally friendly?” Of course, unless there is any concern at all about wildlife and land preservation. Who cares about ‘carbon footprints’ anyway, and who would have thought that any environmentalist agenda decreasing the amount of bird species could lead to more insect and animal pests, diseases and destruction? Not to worry, that cost too was taken care of by none other than an agency that ‘rocks at writing regulations.’
It is amazing what a simple analysis of the headlines can reveal. Imagine the revelations derived from a more complex one.
The huge California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) central-station solar plant is apparently now at “full power” thanks to a loan guarantee from the U.S. taxpayers of $1,237,000,000. Information regarding this project has been published here by Earthtechling, and also here, by the U.S. Department of Energy. (excerpt) MasterResource, California Valley Solar Ranch: What for $1.24 Taxpayer Billion? 7 November 2013
The California Valley Solar Ranch is a 250 megawatt photovoltaic power plant in the Carrizo Plain, northeast of California Valley. The project is owned by NRG Energy, and SunPower is the EPC contractor and technology provider. The project constructed on 1,966 acres of a 4,365-acre site of former grazing land. Wikipedia
Bird Knocks Out 84% of Massive California Solar Farm
Destructive Critters Pose Rare But Vexing Threat for Solar Power
Trade wars and shrinking tax credits aren’t the only threat to solar power. Small critters can wreak havoc as well — something a California system learned the hard way.
An “avian incident” (Bird kill) sparked a fire at one of California’s biggest solar farms, affecting 1,200 acres and knocking out 84% of the California Valley Solar Ranch’s generating capacity.
A bird, or perhaps multiple birds, ignited a fire on June 5 at the California Valley Solar Ranch, knocking out 84% of generating capacity and scorching 1,200 acres. Clearway Energy Inc., whose subsidiary owns the ranch, blamed the blaze on an “avian incident” The June 5th ‘incident’ didn’t damage solar panels at the 250-megawatt power plant, but distribution poles and cables were in need of replacement, according a regulatory filing Wednesday from owner Clearway Energy Inc. The company didn’t say exactly how the blaze was ignited. It also didn’t elaborate on how it occurred.
Animals have long been a menace on power grids placed within their habitats. But such incidents at big solar power plants are rare, said Jenny Chase, a solar analyst at BloombergNEF. Residential solar panels are likely more vulnerable than big plants due to the variety in plant design and less oversight, she said.
Squirrels once ate through the microinverters on residential solar panels at a home in Quincy, Massachusetts, causing the system’s electrical production to plunge. The homeowner told the Boston Globe that 17 of her 27 panels were ruined, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.
There is business opportunity in this space. Jay Welsh, who runs the solar panel maintenance company Solar Maid, said in an interview that 80% of his business comes from (wildlife) pest removal. The most common issue animals cause is water damage, stemming from things like holes in roofs and nests redirecting rainwater from gutters.
“We are pleased that in the aftermath of the fire at California Valley Solar Ranch, our team and first responders were able to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, our employees, and fire officials,” the company said by email. “While fires remain an unfortunate and growing reality in California and across the west, incidents such as these give us continued confidence in our risk prevention and mitigation plans.”
About 40 megawatts of the 250 megawatt San Luis Obispo County facility are in operation, and it’s expected to return to full service by July 1. Clearway expects the incident to cost $8 million to $9 million this year, after estimated insurance recovery.
The California Valley project was built by SunPower Corp. and was funded in part with a $1.24 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Energy Department. It was completed in 2013 and sells power to PG&E Corp.
[Byline Millicent Dent – With assistance from Brian Eckhouse]
(edited excerpts from Bloomberg, and Insurance Journal)
Copyright 2019 Bloomberg.
Note:
During the administration of President Bill Clinton, Thomas Werner, Chairman & CEO of SunPower Corporation was close friends and frequent adviser to Bill and Hillary Clinton.
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