Maxeon bifacial solar panels will be used in the 690-MWAC Gemini solar project being built on federal land outside Las Vegas. It was previously estimated that when finished, the $1 billion project could be the eighth-largest solar power facility in the world.
Nearly 1.8 million of the high-efficiency Performance 5 UPP bifacial panels will be installed on the project being built and operated by Primergy Solar. Project completion is planned by the end of 2023.
“We are thrilled to select Maxeon Solar Technologies to supply solar modules for our Gemini solar and energy storage project in southern Nevada. Because of Maxeon’s high module power output and demonstrated long-term reliability, we are able to deliver the optimal energy output to our customer while minimizing impacts to the desert ecosystem,” said Ty Daul, Primergy CEO. “The proximity of Maxeon’s module factory to our project site was also a key consideration, offering significant logistical benefits, reduced supply chain carbon impacts, and ultimately reduced costs for energy consumers.”
The Gemini project is expected to provide a stable foundation to support the start-up and initial operation of Maxeon’s new Performance line module capacity that will serve the U.S. solar power market. Using large-format G12 mono-PERC solar cells manufactured by Maxeon in Malaysia, with module assembly by Maxeon in Mexicali, Mexico, it is anticipated that this project will take a significant portion of the expected output of Maxeon’s new capacity during the first year of operation.
The Gemini solar project will also include a 380-MW/1,400-MWh energy storage system.
Comments
When one breaks this down, the site looks like it’s using the utility bi-facial panels in the 28 square foot per panel 545 watt. Designed in a 1.42 to 1 D.C. to A.C. ratio should make for a robust solar PV farm. Why are the EPC folks stuck on a 4 hour energy storage system? With the bi-facial panels, the 1.42 to 1 clipping ratio, the energy storage should be designed for 25% and at least 6 hours of energy storage. A 500MW/ 3,000MWh energy storage system would make more sense in an arid desert with a lot of sun hours of generation potential year round.
