Overview
CDCR (CA) - Pleasant Valley State Prison is a 1.2 MW solar PV facility in California, USA, operated by Team-Solar Inc. It supports renewable energy generation for the state's correctional system.
CDCR (CA) - Pleasant Valley State Prison is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in California, United States. With a capacity of 1.2 MW, it is a small-scale solar installation that contributes to the state's renewable energy portfolio. The facility is owned and operated by Team-Solar Inc. and is currently operational. The facility operates under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates that 60% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and this installation helps reduce the prison's reliance on grid power. The 1.2 MW capacity is typical for on-site commercial solar projects, providing a portion of the facility's energy needs. This solar installation supports California's clean energy goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operational costs for the state. It also demonstrates the integration of renewable energy within public infrastructure, serving as a model for other correctional facilities. The project aligns with broader state and federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for renewable energy deployment.
Environmental context
California's Central Valley, where this facility is located, has high solar insolation, making it ideal for solar PV generation. The region's agricultural landscape and Mediterranean climate support year-round solar production. Solar installations like this one help reduce air pollution and water usage compared to fossil fuel plants, though land use for solar farms can compete with agriculture. The facility's location on prison grounds minimizes additional land impact.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at Pleasant Valley State Prison in California, USA, at coordinates 36.1372° N, -120.2244° W.
The solar PV installation has a capacity of 1.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale renewable energy project.
The facility is owned and operated by Team-Solar Inc., a company specializing in solar energy installations.
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 60% renewable electricity by 2030, and the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides tax incentives for solar projects.
The facility generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution compared to fossil fuel sources, and supports California's renewable energy targets.