Kerman Substaton - Kerman, California

Project Owners / Partners

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

DER Technology

500-kW Photovoltaic System

Overview

In the early 1990's, PG&E's Kerman substation (near Fresno, California) was forced to operate over capacity during times of peak electric use. In California, this peak demand generally occurs on hot summer days when air conditioning and water pumping loads are at their greatest. The overloading of the substation caused overheating of the components located there. Excessively high temperatures shorten the life of expensive transformers, while reducing power quality to customers and increasing line losses during transmission. PG&E opted to utilize a DER device for reinforcement of the substation.

In 1993, PG&E installed a 500-kW photovoltaic (PV) system at the Kerman substation. A PV system was ideal for this application because it produces the greatest amount of power on hot, sunny days when PG&E needs it most. In addition, PV power plants can be quickly placed (within 6 months) where extra power is needed. The PV modules at the Kerman substation are mounted on trackers that change the tilt of the modules as the valuable summer afternoon sun moves across the sky. The system maintains its electrical output close to rated capacity.

Contacts

PG&E: (415) 973-6436