Houston Solar Farm is a Top Contender for the 2023 Solar Builder’s Utility Scale Project of the Year

SMA is proud to announce the Houston Solar Farm has been selected as a finalist for the 2023 Solar Builder Utility Scale Project of the Year. This project is the largest solar farm in Alaska and utilizes SMA inverters.

To vote for the Houston Solar Farm project click here. Winners will be featured in the Q4 issue of Solar Builder Magazine and showcased online in December. 

Harsh Alaskan Terrain Meets Reliable Energy: The 8.5 MW Houston Solar Farm Powered by SMA PEAK3 Inverters

The 8.5 MW, 45-acre Houston Solar Farm was developed by Renewable IPP and features 40 SMA PEAK3 125 inverters. Preserving the native landscape was an important consideration for this remote area of Alaska that experiences intense climate conditions. The cold environment requires extremely reliable equipment, which prompted the project developer to choose SMA solutions.  

“Working with Jenn and Chris at Renewable IPP has been a meaningful experience,” said Travis Davis, territory sales manager with SMA America. “Their diverse background in energy coupled with their innovative thinking will continue to create groundbreaking projects for years to come. I’m genuinely proud they trust SMA.”

Energizing the Community: Local Collaboration Powers 1,400 Homes with Renewable Energy at the Houston Solar Farm

The local utility, Matanuska Electric Association (MEA), purchases the project’s generated energy which powers approximately 1,400 homes. CleanCapital financed the project construction and serves as the long-term owner-operator. Renewable IPP served as both the developer and the EPC/installer. The project features Risen modules and APA Solar Racking. 

Renewable IPP trained the construction team from the local community. Women comprised 30% of the team that built the solar farm that now delivers cost-competitive energy back into the community. Solar Builder Magazine reports the project was built on “raw” land, lessening environmental impact by preserving the native vegetation and soil. The unique design enables snow shedding and snow blowing between panel rows as well. 

About Solar Builder “Project of the Year” Contest

The Solar Builder Project of the Year Competition is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the most innovative and impactful solar projects from around the world. The competition aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of developers, engineers, and organizations in advancing solar technology and contributing to a more sustainable future. The key criterion for evaluation includes innovation, environmental impact, energy generation, community benefit and scalability.  

 SMA has a legacy of partnering with Project of the Year winning developments. SMA inverters were donated to the Flemington Area Food Pantry which is a past winner for the Commerical and Industry Project of the Year.