Single-Axis Tracking PV Technology and would generate up to 200 MW of energy. The PV project would include PV panels on single-axis tracking systems, inverters, and an operation and maintenance building
Source: Credit to the Moapa Solar Energy Center
| Project Name | Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project |
|---|---|
| Location | Clark County, Nevada |
| Project Sponsor / Borrower | Moapa River Indian Reservation |
| Program Areas |
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| Value Capture Techniques | Solar Energy Use, Right-of-Way Use Agreements, & Joint Development |
| Mode | Other: Solar Farm |
| Description | The Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project is a 250-megawatt (MW) alternative current solar array located on roughly 2,000 acres of the Moapa River Indian Reservation in Clark County, Nevada. The project is the first large-scale solar project to receive construction approval on a tribal land in North America. It was constructed and is operated by First Solar, who began the project in 2014 after acquiring it from K Road Power Holdings, LLC. The project, which became operational in 2017, provided 115 jobs to tribal and other Native Americans during construction. The solar array uses 3.2 million advanced photovoltaic thin firm solar modules, which translates to more than 25 million square footage worth of solar panels. It generates enough solar energy to serve approximately 111,000 homes, removing about 341,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually or the equivalent to eliminating 73,000 cars from the roads. An on-site substation and 5.5-mile, 500 kilovolt transmission line connect the solar arrays to the existing Crystal Substation that serves energy users in California. The Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project has a Power Purchase Agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to deliver clean solar energy for 25 years. It will generate millions of dollars in income for the Tribe, increase State and local tax revenues, plus create benefits for many local businesses. The project is also expected to help the City of Los Angeles achieve 50 percent of all energy from renewable resources by 2025. The project successfully obtained the following Federal actions:
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| Cost | $2.38 million |
| Funding Sources |
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| Project Delivery / Contract Method | Design-build |
| Private Partner | Capital Dynamics |
| Project Advisors / Consultants |
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| Lenders | N/A |
| Duration / Status | The planning for the project began in 2012, construction commenced in 2014, and it was completed in June 2016. The project became operational in 2017. |
| Financial Status / Financial Performance | The United States Department of Agriculture High Energy Cost provided the Moapa Southern Paiute with a $2.38 million grant. The grant was awarded as it was an energy efficiency program in an area where energy costs were over 275 percent above the national average. |
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| Contacts | Terry Bohl |
