Longroad Energy, a renewable energy owner, developer, and operator, recently announced the completion of financing and the start of construction for Sun Streams 3, a 285 MWdc PV and 215 MWac / 860 MWh storage project based in Maricopa County, Arizona. The biggest solar and storage project in Longroad's operational portfolio, Sun Streams 3, is anticipated to start commercial operations in 2024.
The project connects to the grid at the Hassayampa switchyard, a notable transmission hub in the western United States. Sun Streams 3 will increase Arizona's electrical capacity and system reliability. Arizona Public Service (APS) will also purchase the project's entire output, sufficient to power 90,000 homes, through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.
Early in 2021, Longroad bought Sun Streams 3 from First Solar as part of a larger deal involving several Arizona projects, such as the 200 MWdc Sun Streams 2 solar project, operational since 2021, and additional projects that are still under development. First Solar continues its successful partnership by providing Series 6+ solar modules to Longroad for the Sun Streams 3 project. The project is expected to commission more than 300 people during construction.
The project's EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor will be McCarthy Building Companies, with Powin, an energy storage platform provider, delivering the 215 MW/ 860 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). In addition, the project will use trackers from Nextracker and solar inverters from SunGrow. Longroad's affiliate Longroad Energy Services, along with Powin and NovaSource, will offer comprehensive operations and maintenance services for the project.
Sun Streams 3 will prevent 460,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, the same as taking 100,000 cars off the road for the project's duration.
Through long-term leases with the Arizona State Land Department, Sun Streams 3 will bring in more than $65 million for Arizona schools. Longroad expresses gratitude to Maricopa County and the Arizona State Land Department for their ongoing assistance and cooperation in the planning and execution of the Sun Streams projects.
About Longroad Energy
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Longroad Energy is a renewable energy developer that owns, develops, and operates wind and solar energy projects across North America. Additionally, the company provides asset management and operations services to wind and solar projects across the US, having a proven track record of developing cost-effective and competitive renewable energy projects. Longroad owns more than 2.4 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects, managing and operating a total of 4.0 GW on behalf of third parties and the company itself.