‘Avian incident’ knocks out 84% of massive California solar farm

LATimes ^ | June 20, 2019 | Bloomberg

[metmom]

An “avian incident” sparked a fire at one of California’s biggest solar farms, affecting 1,200 acres and knocking out 84% of the California Valley Solar Ranch’s generating capacity.

The June 5 incident didn’t damage solar panels at the 250-megawatt power plant, but distribution poles and cables need to be replaced, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday from owner Clearway Energy Inc. The company didn’t say exactly how the blaze was ignited.

“We are pleased that in the aftermath of the fire at California Valley Solar Ranch, our team and first responders were able to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, our employees, and fire officials,” the company said by email. “While fires remain an unfortunate and growing reality in California and across the west, incidents such as these give us continued confidence in our risk prevention and mitigation plans.”

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Robert A Cook PE. California's solar delusions are for the, uh, never mind.

[GOPJ]

We had ‘wind’ 50 years ago and there weren’t rolling blackout in California then... Is the ‘wind’ different now?

[marajade]

CA didn’t have the population or build communities where they are now.