Efficiency & Environment
Bear Valley Solar Energy Project
Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES, Inc.), in collaboration with EDF Renewables Distribution-Scale Power, is developing the Bear Valley Solar Energy Project, a 5 MW/AC (megawatt/alternating current) facility. This project is sited at 2151 Erwin Ranch Road, a 30-acre parcel of undeveloped land near Erwin Ranch Road and Lakewood Drive in Big Bear City, CA. It will generate renewable electricity that feeds directly into the BVES distribution system, providing clean, emission-free power to local homes and businesses. Additionally, it will produce Renewable Energy Certificates to help BVES meet state-mandated renewable energy targets.
This project will enhance the resiliency of Big Bear Valley’s local distribution grid and decrease reliance on off-mountain generation and transmission sources. This will help mitigate the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs and reduce the need for expensive transmission upgrades. Furthermore, California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates that BVES source 60 percent of its electric retail sales from renewable sources by 2030, with interim targets. By generating emission-free power locally, this solar project will help BVES meet these requirements cost-effectively, reducing the need to purchase more expensive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
The project will adhere to all relevant local, state, and federal land use and environmental regulations. After construction, the site will be revegetated, allowing the soil to rest and regenerate throughout the project’s lifespan. Vegetation management will be conducted on-site, with routine but infrequent maintenance visits as necessary. The project will also plant a targeted landscape buffer along sight lines. This vegetative screening plan will consist of native plants adjacent to the project fence.
EDF Renewables North America Distribution-Scale Power team offers customer-focused development, construction, operation, and maintenance services for solar and energy storage projects. Over the past 35 years, the EDF team of professionals has developed or constructed more than 1,500 MW of solar and storage projects throughout the United States for a wide range of clients including municipal and investor-owned utility companies, cooperatives and electricity suppliers, commercial and industrial customers, and government organizations.
For additional information, customers are encouraged to call 800-808-BVES (2837).
