Sun Streams 4 is a 377MW solar and 300MW/1200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project, currently under construction in Arizona, US.
Longroad Energy, a renewable energy developer, is developing the project, which represents the company’s most significant investment in solar and storage to date.
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The project is the third installation within Longroad Energy’s Sun Streams complex, which will comprise a total of 862MWdc (665MWac) of solar and 515MWac/2060MWh storage facility. The Sun Streams complex represents an investment of more than $2bn by the company.
The Arizona Corporation Commission, the state’s public utilities commission, received the project application in December 2022 and granted approval in March 2023.
Financial closure for the project was achieved in November 2023, which also marked the commencement of construction. The project is expected to begin commercial operations in mid-2025.
Upon completion, the Sun Streams 4 facility is expected to produce sufficient renewable energy to power approximately 120,000 average American households annually.
Sun Streams 4 location
Sun Streams 4 is located within the Sun Streams Complex near the Palo Verde Generating Station in Maricopa County in the state of Arizona, approximately 64.3km west of Phoenix.
The Sun Streams Complex includes the 200MWdc Sun Streams 2, which has been operational since 2021, and the Sun Streams 3, which comprises a 285MWdc solar farm and a 215MWac/860MWh BESS system, to be put in operation in 2024.
Sun Streams 4 project details
The solar component for the Sun Streams 4 project will utilise close to 800,000 units of Series 6 Plus solar modules. These modules are designed to maximise energy production and environmental performance.
The Series 6 Plus offers more lifetime energy per watt with features such as superior temperature coefficient, spectral response and shading behaviour and anti-reflective coated glass. Each solar module can deliver between 455W and 480W at up to 19% efficiency.
The module design features an under-mount frame, innovative SpeedSlots for faster installation and low mounting hardware costs. It also features a dual junction box design that optimises module-to-module connections while eliminating the need for wire management.
The BESS will incorporate SMA inverters and AESC cells, integrated into Powin’s Centipede™ energy storage platform, which is noted for its modularity and scalability.
The Centipede platform boasts a modular design, replete with pre-integrated segments that house batteries, thermal management systems, and crucial safety mechanisms. The platform necessitates 50% less time for procurement and deployment, alongside a 30% reduction in on-site space requirements. Furthermore, it diminishes lifecycle expenses and delivers enhanced reliability.
Power purchase agreement
Longroad Energy secured a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS), whereby APS will buy the project’s entire output.
Financing for Sun Streams 4 project
The project has received more than $1bn in financing from a group of banks led by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), with participation from a consortium of banks including ANZ, PNC, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, CoBank, US Bancorp Impact Finance, National Australia Bank, and Societe Generale.
CIBC also served as the coordinating lead arranger, administrative agent, and collateral agent while ANZ acted as the joint lead arranger and green loan coordinator.
US Bancorp Impact Finance was involved as a joint lead arranger and depositary bank.
Contractors involved
US-based construction company McCarthy Building Companies has been appointed as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the solar and storage project by the developer.
First Solar, an American solar PV module manufacturer, will provide its Series 6 Plus solar modules, for the project.
Nextracker, a US-based provider of solar trackers and software solutions, will supply solar trackers for the project.
China-based solar inverter manufacturer Sungrow has been chosen to deliver solar inverters for the project.
The project’s BESS components will be provided by American energy storage solutions provider, Powin, with SMA supplying the inverters and Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) providing the lithium-ion batteries.
Through its affiliate Longroad Energy Services, Longroad will manage the operation and maintenance of the project, with assistance from Powin and NovaSource Power Services.
Benefits of the Sun Streams 4 project
The construction phase of the Sun Streams 4 project is set to generate more than 250 temporary job opportunities.
Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 600,000 million tonnes each year, which is comparable to removing around 140,000 petrol-driven vehicles from the roads.
The project is expected to generate more than $100m in revenue for Arizona’s schools and local communities throughout its operational lifespan. This financial contribution will stem from long-term leasing agreements with the Arizona State Land Department and from tax payments.
