1-GWDC Gemini Solar + Storage project now connected to US grid

The largest solar + storage project in the United States is now connected to the grid. The Gemini Solar + Storage project, built by Primergy Solar and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, will deliver power to Las Vegas and other Nevada and Southwest communities.

“Gemini broke the mold with a historic amount of solar and BESS, backed by the largest tax equity financing of its kind,” said Primergy CEO Ty Daul. “Achieving full commercial operations marks a significant technical and financial milestone for our team. We successfully navigated challenging supply chain and inflation issues through proactive planning and collaboration to bring this project online. We are grateful to our partners and investors for their commitment and shared vision in delivering clean energy to the western U.S.”

Gemini’s 1.8 million solar panels can generate up to 690-MWAC (966-MWDC), powering approximately 10% of Nevada’s peak power demand. The solar arrays are co-located with 380 MW of 4-hour battery storage for around 1,400 MWh of reliable power after sundown. The project’s unique DC-coupled storage configuration enables the BESS to charge directly from the solar panels, resulting in increased efficiency and maximizing the capture and storage of solar energy directly on-site. The project was reported to use Maxeon solar panels.

To minimize environmental impacts, Primergy took measures to leave vegetation in place, installed solar panels to follow the ground’s natural contours, and reduced the project’s land footprint by over 20% through thoughtful design. Additionally, the project created approximately 1,300 union and prevailing wage jobs and contributed approximately $463 million to Nevada’s economy.

“Gemini creates a blueprint for holistic and innovative clean energy development at mega scale, and we are proud to have brought this milestone project to life and to have delivered so many positive impacts across job creation, environmental stewardship, and local community engagement,” said David Scaysbrook, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Quinbrook. “Quinbrook and Primergy have worked as one team to diligently navigate the inevitable challenges to bringing one of the largest ever solar and storage projects online. It’s a testament to the hard work and creativity of our teams – along with our many first-rate partners – that Gemini is now playing a meaningful part in delivering clean, affordable power to Las Vegas residents.”

News item from Primergy