Giant Solar Power and Battery Storage Initiatives in California
California Leads the Way in Solar-Plus-Storage Projects
California, a pioneer in renewable energy, has made significant strides in expanding its storage capacity under Governor Newsom's administration. Since taking office, the state's storage capacity has grown from 770 MW in 2019 to over 10 GW by 2024.
The largest solar-plus-storage facility in California is the Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project located in Kern County near Mojave. This colossal complex, spanning 4,600 acres, combines 758 MW of solar capacity with 300 MW / 1,200 MWh of lithium iron phosphate battery storage. It houses 1.36 million solar panels and 172 batteries, capable of supplying around 7% of Los Angeles' electricity demand, enough to power over 266,000 homes annually.
Key features of the Eland project include its scale and cost, phased development, technology and manufacturing, grid impact and contracts, environmental and economic benefits, and its role as a model for large-scale solar-plus-storage deployments nationally. The project cost over $2 billion, making it one of the largest and most expensive solar-plus-storage facilities in the U.S. It was developed in two phases, with Eland 1 starting commercial operations in December 2024, and Eland 2 beginning full operations in August 2025, culminating in the full commissioning of the site.
The technology used in the Eland project is noteworthy. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, manufactured locally in Lathrop, California by Tesla at their Megapack facility, are used. The solar tracking systems were supplied by Nextracker, ensuring supply chain resilience with their domestic manufacturing lines. The power generated and stored is sold under long-term contracts with the Southern California Public Power Authority and delivered to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Glendale Water and Power, supporting local, affordable renewable energy goals.
The Eland project contributes significantly to Los Angeles’ goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035 and supports grid stability by delivering power during peak demand hours. It also created approximately 1,000 construction jobs and will provide over $36 million in local government payments over its lifetime.
Other notable solar-plus-storage projects in California include the Edwards & Sanborn project, the largest solar-plus-storage facility in the United States, with 875 MWdc of solar power capacity and a battery storage capacity of 3,287 MWh. The Edwards & Sanborn project has more than 10 energy buyers, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, San Jose, Starbucks, and Clean Power Alliance.
California now routinely dispatches over 6,000 MW of battery power in the evening, making storage a central component of the state's clean energy future. Other projects, such as Daggett Solar Plus Storage, Desert Quartzite, and the Darden Clean Energy project, are also contributing to California's renewable energy goals and grid reliability.
California targets 52 GW of battery storage by 2045 as part of its 100% clean electricity goal. With its ambitious plans and ongoing projects, California continues to set the pace for renewable energy infrastructure in the U.S. and beyond.
- The Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project, a significant renewable-energy initiative in California, is raising funds from various financial sources, contributing to the expansion of the infrastructure industry in the state.
- In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, the construction of solar-plus-storage projects in California, such as the Edwards & Sanborn project and Daggett Solar Plus Storage, is replacing conventional energy sources with renewable-energy solutions.
- The California industry is witnessing a surge in construction activities to establish a robust energy network, powered by renewable energy sources and complemented by storage solutions like the Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project, which helps supply clean energy to a considerable number of homes.
