NextEra commissions 485MW of solar in California

November 14, 2016
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The projects have created a significant boost for the Riverside County area, adding 1,500 construction jobs and increased economic activity for local businesses. Source: NextEra Twitter account

NextEra Energy Resources has commissioned the Blythe and McCoy Solar Energy Centres, which represent 485MW of new solar in California.

The US$1.2 billion investment created hundreds of construction jobs and was a significant boost for the Golden State meeting its renewable energy goals.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Featuring more than 4 million solar panels with trackers and spanning more than 1,618 hectares, the projects combined generate enough clean electricity to power more than 181,000 homes in the Southern California Edison catchment area.

According to NextEra, some of the energy will help healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente become ‘carbon net positive’ under a 20-year agreement.

“The completion of these projects is further proof that America's shift toward clean, renewable energy is underway,” said Bureau of Land Management director Neil Kornze. “In fact, we've seen a threefold increase in wind and a fivefold increase in solar power generation during this Administration. That's a foundation for the future that we should all be proud of.”

“California, and Riverside County in particular, is fortunate to have one of the best solar resources in the country,” said Riverside County supervisor John J. Benoit. “These projects are evidence of what we can do when we build strong partnerships to develop renewable energy, protect the environment and create good jobs and long-term benefits for our communities.”

Read Next

Premium
February 3, 2026
PV Talk: Vote Solar’s Sachu Constantine discusses the growing role of state and local governments in driving forward clean energy policy in the United States.
February 3, 2026
There has been a 'clear cooling' of appetite for new renewable energy investments in the US, according to speakers at SFIEU 2026.
February 2, 2026
Independent power producer (IPP) TerraForm Power has acquired a 1.56GW solar project in Lee County, Illinois from Hexagon Energy.
February 2, 2026
Private equity firm Younan Company has launched an 880MW solar-plus-storage project in California, marking its entry into utility-scale solar PV in the US.
February 2, 2026
The price of solar PPAs signed in North America increased 3.2% between the third and fourth quarters of 2025, reaching a high of US$61.67/MWh.
February 2, 2026
The rate of installation of new self-consumption PV systems in Spain fell slightly last year, according to data from trade body the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF).

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA