Overview
CSU Long Beach Lots 7 & 14 is a 4.5 MW solar PV installation in Long Beach, California, owned by Solar Star California XLVII LLC. The facility supports California's renewable energy goals under the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard.
CSU Long Beach Lots 7 & 14 is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Long Beach, California, United States. With a capacity of 4.5 MW, it is a medium-scale solar installation that contributes to the campus's energy needs and the broader state renewable energy targets. 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 installation benefits from the region's high solar irradiance. The owner, Solar Star California XLVII LLC, is a special-purpose entity likely involved in power purchase agreements with the university. Environmentally, the facility reduces greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil-fuel-based electricity. It also supports grid integration of renewables in Southern California, where solar generation is abundant. The installation on university lots demonstrates the growing trend of campus-based renewable energy projects, providing educational and operational benefits.
Environmental context
Southern California's high solar irradiance makes it ideal for solar PV generation, but land-use competition and visual impacts are considerations. The facility's location on existing parking lots minimizes additional land disturbance. Grid integration challenges, such as midday overgeneration, are managed through California's net metering and storage mandates.
Frequently asked questions
CSU Long Beach Lots 7 & 14 is located in Long Beach, California, United States, at latitude 33.781000 and longitude -118.113600.
The facility has a capacity of 4.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation.
The facility is owned by Solar Star California XLVII LLC, a special-purpose entity likely established for renewable energy project financing.
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2045, driving solar PV adoption. The state also offers net metering and tax incentives under the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also has low water usage and can be installed on existing structures like parking lots to minimize land impact.