Avantus Brings 200MW Solar-Plus-Storage Online in Kern County
Solar Power World reports that Avantus has started commercial operations at Aratina 1, the first phase of its solar-plus-storage project in Kern County, California, now delivering 200 MW of solar and 500 MWh of energy storage to the grid. The project carries long-term power purchase agreements with Central Coast Community Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, two community choice aggregators, for its full output, enough to power more than 105,000 California homes annually.
Aratina 1 supported approximately 500 jobs at peak construction and will maintain local operations roles going forward. Avantus also launched the Boron Community Partnership Panel earlier this year to guide local investment decisions tied to the project.
The second phase, Aratina 2, is under construction on an adjacent site and recently closed more than $525 million in financing, with commercial operations targeted before the end of 2026. Combined, the two phases will produce 350 MW of solar and 952 MWh of storage.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Aratina 2’s construction is active now with commercial operations targeted before year-end 2026, signaling near-term demand for E&I, mechanical, and battery storage integration crews in Kern County.
- The 500-job peak construction figure from Aratina 1 offers a benchmark for staffing scale on Aratina 2, useful for civil and electrical subs bidding labor on the second phase.
- With $525 million in financing already closed for Aratina 2, subcontractors should confirm procurement contacts now, since EPC teams typically lock in subcontract packages once financing clears and construction ramps.
