Five Crowns Solar Microgrid Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026030688
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Five Crowns Solar Microgrid Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/17/2026
Document Description
This project will install a solar-powered microgrid at a produce processing facility in Tracy, CA. The microgrid system will consist of rooftop mounted solar photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage, inverters, and respective interconnection equipment. This project will reduce grid electricity consumption, enable on-peak demand reductions, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project is consistent with the California Energy Commission's mission of leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future.
Contact Information
Name
Claire Sweeney
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Commission Specialist I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Kelly Strickland
Agency Name
FC Tracy Holdings, LLC
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
W. Lehman and Ahern Road
Zip
95304
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301: The project falls under this categorical exemption because the BESS installation will be a minor alteration to existing paved areas within the interior of the property, with no expansion beyond the existing operations. The project will involve the installation of rooftop-mounted solar panels and ground mounted BESS on the grounds of a developed facility in Tracy, CA. The BESS and solar panels will allow the facility to reduce their total grid energy usage by about 50% percent. The BESS will also allow the facility to continue operations in the event of a utility blackout. The project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not results in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not included on an any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Pub. Resources Code § 21080.35
Reasons for Exemption
Pub. Resources Code § 21080.35: This project will involve the installation of solar energy systems on the roofs of two existing buildings. The installation of the solar photovoltaic panels will enable the generation of energy for onsite use at a produce processing facility. Associated equipment of the solar energy system will not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface and will be located on the same parcel as the solar panels. The project will also involve the installation of a ground mounted battery energy storage system (BESS) within the existing facility. The project will not involve the removal of trees. The project does not involve a federal Clean Water Act permit; waste discharge requirements pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act; an individual take permit for species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act or the California Endangered Species Act; streambed alteration permit pursuant to the California Fish and Game Code; or removal of protected or native trees.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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