“This solar project is unique; it is not like every other solar project you’ve seen in Kern County, and frankly across California,” said Jason Kaplan from the Community Solar Project, addressing the Rotary Club of China Lake.

The Community Solar Project looks to provide renewable energy to homes that are either unable to unwilling to install costly solar panels. One of their goals is to recruit people who live in apartments or condominiums so that they can enjoy the benefits of solar power while renting a multi-household unit. They provide service across Southern California but Kaplan is focused on getting as many Indian Wells Valley customers as possible.

The Inyokern 1203 Community Solar plant is located behind Inyokern Airport, and is scheduled to begin operations this July. The facility should generate 20 million kilowatt hours of power per year and support up to 3,000 customers; with an expected lifespan of roughly 25 years. The company trying to establish a 2,500 subscriber base to operate; these customers are expected to save a total of $215,000 annually.

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