#United States #Clean Energy #Renewable America #Dos Palos

Empowering Communities with Clean Energy: The Dos Palos Solar Project

On October 17, 2025, Renewable America celebrated the successful completion of the Dos Palos Clean Power (DOSP) solar project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This renewable energy initiative, which boasts an impressive capacity of 4.29 MWdc, has been designed to deliver clean and reliable power to underserved communities in California's Central Valley.

The DOSP project is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to provide energy access to low-income households, highlighting Renewable America's commitment to social responsibility. This solar installation is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 1,200 homes annually while offsetting 74,000 tons of CO₂ emissions over its operational lifespan.

Bridging the Energy Gap

Situated in Dos Palos, California, the project is a part of Peninsula Clean Energy's Green Access Program, which offers a 20% discount on electric bills for qualifying low-income customers in both San Mateo County and the city of Los Banos. Additionally, as a Qualified Low-Income Economic Benefit Project, DOSP procured an extra 20% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) from the federal Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program.

The location's designation by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) as a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) underscores the importance of this initiative. The site falls within a census tract that ranks among the top 8% of the most burdened areas statewide in terms of socioeconomic and environmental metrics. This designation becomes crucial in ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy reach those who need it the most.

Peninsula Clean Energy CEO Shawn Marshall emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "This additional solar power provides two-fold benefits: emissions-free energy and substantial savings on electricity costs for our most disadvantaged customers." The DOSP project aligns perfectly with the company's goal of enhancing local energy supply while supporting economically challenged communities.

An Environmentally Friendly Approach

In a forward-thinking move, Renewable America removed a fire-damaged abandoned house from the project site, ensuring that the land could be optimally used for renewable energy generation. Moreover, the project achieved an environmentally conscious design, utilizing only 11.5 of its allocated 39 acres for solar generation, thus preserving an impressive two-thirds for agricultural purposes.

In collaboration with the California Farmland Trust, Renewable America established a conservation easement on equivalent acreage elsewhere, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable land use.

Ardeshir Arian, President and CEO of Renewable America, remarked, "Positive economic and environmental impacts for local communities are core components of Renewable America's mission. Community solar projects like DOSP enable California to advance its renewable energy objectives while delivering affordable energy and other vital benefits to low-income households."

Local Investment and Workforce Development

The construction of the DOSP project prioritized local economic benefits, employing workers from a local union labor hall, including individuals enrolled in apprenticeship training programs. This approach not only boosts local employment but also ensures that the workforce is well equipped for future renewable energy projects.

Radial Power, an American company specializing in distributed energy investments, will serve as the facility's long-term owner, illustrating the powerful partnership model that drives such impactful initiatives.

This innovative solar project serves as a remarkable example of how combining renewable energy generation with economic, environmental, and social benefits can transform local communities. Renewable America's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions continues to pave the way for sustainable development across California.

For more information about Renewable America and their initiatives, visit renewam.com.