Overview
CDCR (CA) - Corcoran State Prison is a 5 MW solar PV facility in California, United States. It provides renewable energy to the prison facility, supporting California's clean energy goals.
CDCR (CA) - Corcoran State Prison is a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Corcoran, California, United States. The plant is owned by SunE Corcoran SP Owner LLC and is currently operational. As a medium-scale solar installation, it contributes to the state's renewable energy capacity. The facility operates under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2045. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and this plant likely uses fixed-tilt or tracking panels to maximize generation. The 5 MW capacity is typical for a commercial or institutional solar project, offsetting a portion of the prison's electricity demand. By generating clean energy on-site, the facility reduces reliance on grid electricity from fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also demonstrates the integration of renewable energy into public infrastructure, serving as a model for other state facilities. The plant supports California's leadership in renewable energy deployment and grid decarbonization.
Environmental context
California's Central Valley, where Corcoran is located, has high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar PV generation. The region's agricultural landscape means land-use considerations are important, but rooftop or ground-mounted solar on institutional sites minimizes additional land impact. Solar energy helps reduce air pollution and water usage compared to fossil fuel plants, supporting local environmental quality.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at the Corcoran State Prison in Corcoran, California, United States, at coordinates 36.065000, -119.557600.
The solar PV plant has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), which is typical for a medium-scale commercial or institutional solar installation.
The facility is owned by SunE Corcoran SP Owner LLC, a company specializing in solar energy projects.
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2045. This 5 MW solar plant contributes to that target by generating clean energy on-site, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, or water consumption during operation. It helps reduce the carbon footprint of the prison facility and supports local air quality.