US-based Longroad Energy announced the financial close and construction start of its 111 MW (DC) Sun Pond solar project with an 85 MW (AC)/340 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Maricopa County, Arizona. The project includes PV technology from First Solar, Nextracker trackers and Sungrow inverters. McCarthy Building Companies will handle EPC, employing 200 workers and complying with Inflation Reduction Act wage standards. The BESS will use Fluence’s Gridstack system, EPC Power inverters, and AESC cells. Expected to be operational by mid-2026, it will supply power to the City of San Jose, California, and Ava Community Energy under long-term PPAs, serving 35,000 homes. Longroad estimates $30 million in local school and jurisdiction revenue. Debt financing was led by US Bancorp Impact Finance, with Commerzbank AG and CIBC.
Sun Pond solar-plus-storage project in Arizona begins construction
The Sun Pond solar and battery system combines advanced US-made components for efficient energy delivery. (Image Source: Longroad Energy)
The hybrid microgrid progressed from PPA signing to commissioning within four months, overcoming terrain challenges. (Image Source: SANY)
Each Enphase microinverter operates independently on individual panels, enhancing overall system efficiency and safety of conversion at the source. (Image Source: Enphase Energy)
The 85 MW PV system reduces CO2 emissions by 65,400 tons yearly, covering 400,000 square meters across four parks. (Image Credit/Source: Kelly/Pexels)
Phase I of AIKO’s Jinan facility delivers 10 GW, with the cell department to be operational by late 2025. (Image Source: AIKO)