The project incorporates the Enphase microinverter system, and is one of the largest ground-mounted projects in the world to use microinverter technology. Photo: Enphase Energy
Strain Ranches in Arbuckle, Calif., is making more than nuts, rice and alfalfa these days. The farm has added a 902-kW solar array. The installation covers nearly 3 acres next to a rice-drying facility.
The system, which used 3,760 SolarWord panels, will provide a quarter of Strain Ranches’ energy consumption. “We invested in solar because it provides a reliable return on investment and makes sound financial sense, and choosing American-made solar technology strengthens that sense of reliability,” says Dane Nissen, a warehouse manager for the ranch.
The array was designed and installed by North State Solar Energy, a solar-electric contractor that specializes in agricultural solar projects in California’s fertile north central valley, and Renewable Design Solutions, a photovoltaic design and consulting firm.
Strain Ranches Solar
Contractor: North State Solar Energy
Type of Panel: 3,760 SolarWorld 240 watt poly
Type of Inverter: Enphase Energy microinverters M- 215
Type of Racking: IRON RIDGE
Size of Crew: 12
Installation Dates: July 1, 2012 to Nov. 10, 2012
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