Sun-Maid Growers Rooftop Microgrid Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020080004
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Sun-Maid Growers Rooftop Microgrid Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/3/2020
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to install and operate a renewable energy microgrid system that reduces electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ensures reliability, and reduces operating costs at the Sun-Maid Growers raisin processing facility located in the City of Kingsburg, California. The project will occur within the existing developed area of a raisin processing facility. The microgrid system consists of an approximately 3 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 1 MW/6 megawatt-hour (MWh) Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system (BESS), microgrid controls, and automatic switchgear. The solar PV system will be rooftop mounted on two existing buildings for a total installed area of approximately 7.3 acres. The BESS and microgrid controller will enable the facility to operate essential components in case of power outage. The BESS will provide between two and up to six hours of islanded, off-grid operation. The microgrid system will require minor foundation and above ground electrical work, including a 120 square foot concrete pad for the placement of the BESS. The project will take place entirely within the existing facility boundary and all materials will be installed outdoors. Installation of the microgrid system is expected to reduce the facility’s GHG emissions by 1,046 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per year and 31,385 MTCO2e emissions over the expected 30-year life of the project. Overall, the system is estimated to offset 39 percent of the facility’s current electrical consumption. The City of Kingsburg reviewed the project and determined it does not require its approval of a discretionary permit. The project is consistent with the California Energy Commission’s mission of leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future.
Contact Information
Name
Kevin Uy
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Agency Name
Sun-Maid Growers, Kingsburg Plant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
Kingsburg
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Southern California
Zip
93631
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve the installation of solar energy systems on the roofs of two existing buildings and pursuant to Public Resources Code, section 21080.35 is exempt from CEQA. The installation of the solar PV panels will enable the generation of energy for onsite use at an existing raisin processing facility in the City of Kingsburg. Associated equipment will not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface and will be located on the same parcel as the solar panels. The project does not involve a federal Clean Water Act permit; streambed alteration permit; or removal of protected or native trees. For these reasons, this project is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public. Resources Code, section 21080.35.
This project will involve the installation of a ground mounted BESS and microgrid controller within the fully developed property of an existing raisin processing facility in the City of Kingsburg. The project has been deemed an allowed modification to the existing food production facility use by the City of Kingsburg and does not require a local discretionary permit. The microgrid system installation will be a minor alteration to existing paved areas within the interior of the property, with no expansion beyond the existing raisin processing operation and will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The project will not result in a significant cumulative impact, damage resources within a scenic highway, cause substantial adverse change to the significance of a historical resource, or be located on a listed hazardous waste site. Therefore, the project falls under the categorical exemption listed in California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301.
Each exemption is an independent basis for finding the project exempt.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit 14, § 21080.35
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve the installation of solar energy systems on the roofs of two existing buildings and pursuant to Public Resources Code, section 21080.35 is exempt from CEQA. The installation of the solar PV panels will enable the generation of energy for onsite use at an existing raisin processing facility in the City of Kingsburg. Associated equipment will not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface and will be located on the same parcel as the solar panels. The project does not involve a federal Clean Water Act permit; streambed alteration permit; or removal of protected or native trees. For these reasons, this project is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public. Resources Code, section 21080.35.
This project will involve the installation of a ground mounted BESS and microgrid controller within the fully developed property of an existing raisin processing facility in the City of Kingsburg. The project has been deemed an allowed modification to the existing food production facility use by the City of Kingsburg and does not require a local discretionary permit. The microgrid system installation will be a minor alteration to existing paved areas within the interior of the property, with no expansion beyond the existing raisin processing operation and will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The project will not result in a significant cumulative impact, damage resources within a scenic highway, cause substantial adverse change to the significance of a historical resource, or be located on a listed hazardous waste site. Therefore, the project falls under the categorical exemption listed in California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301.
Each exemption is an independent basis for finding the project exempt.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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