McAllister Ranch Solar Project

McAllister Ranch Solar Project

McAllister Ranch Irrigation District (MRID) proposes to construct and operate a 5-megawatt (MW) photo-voltaic (PV) solar project on an approximately 40-acre parcel, within McAllister Ranch. The PV solar system consists primarily of solar modules, a racking system, inverters, conduit and wiring, electrical equipment at the Point of Interconnection (POI), and power lines to the POI and an existing well. The solar modules are flat multicrystalline modules that convert solar energy directly to electrical power. The total number of PV modules will depend on the technology selected, optimization evaluation, and final design. The panels will be mounted on a racking system connected in series to form strings and then connected in parallel to combiner boxes. The strings will be arranged to fit the site and terrain. The racking system is a single-axis tracker racking system with a self-powered tracking (SPT) system. The modules will be mounted on the racking system built on a center-line pivot to facilitate tilting of modules 55 degrees in either direction to increase production. The racking system will support the solar panels and consist of an array of steel driven piers, concrete foundations, or ground screws buried in the ground (the depth will be determined based on soil conditions), and module mounting rail kits connected to the steel piers/supports. Combiner boxes mounted on the racking system at the end of each array will collect the power generated by each of the PV module strings. Electrical current will be collected and combined prior to feeding the string inverters. Each string of modules will have a centralized utility-scale inverter that converts the low-voltage direct current (DC) electricity generated by the PV modules into grid-compatible alternating current (AC). The inverter will be contained in an enclosure. Inverters will be located in areas to minimize cable routing, trenching, and minimize electrical losses. The final output will be processed through a transformer to match the interconnection voltage. All electrical inverters, transformers, and gear will be placed on concrete foundations. Conduit and wire from the combiner boxes to the DC Disconnect and inverter will be required. All the DC wires from the PV modules will be collected by the combiner boxes into a cable that will be placed in underground conduit to connect to a DC Disconnect and inverter. The cables will be installed in new underground conduit (no more than 36 inches in depth) from the equipment pad to the Point of Interconnection (POI). The Project will interconnect to an existing distribution line, located south of the site along Panama Road. The POI will house the switchgear, a Medium Voltage Transformer, and an AC disconnect switch near the main service disconnect for the PG&E grid to prevent backfeed, and will be connected to the power system. The District will install power lines connecting the PV field, POI, and existing well. The power lines will be installed along Pensinger Road, Comenius Road, and/or Panama Lane. Construction of the Project is expected to commence in the summer of 2026 and extend for approximately 48 months (which totals approximately 1,040 construction days). Operation of the facilities will be automated. The Project will be generating energy and operate during day-light hours, year-round. Periodic maintenance, will consist of visual inspections, module washing, electrical testing, mechanical testing, and weed abatement, and will occur up to four times per year, requiring up to two maintenance workers.

Bakersfield

Kern

Citywide

California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Conservation (DOC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), California Department of Transportation, District 6 (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Energy Commission, California Fish and Game Commission (CDFGC), California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Fresno Region 5 (RWQCB), Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, State Water Resources Control Board, Divison of Financial Assistance

Power:Solar (Megawatts 5)

Construction

Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology/Soils