Recom Technologies and Solar Optimum Partner for 12.37 MW Solar Carport at Six Flags California

In a significant advancement for renewable energy, European PV module manufacturer Recom Technologies has teamed up with Solar Optimum to develop a solar carport system at the Six Flags amusement park in California. This 12.37 MW installation, set to be constructed over the main guest and employee parking lots, aims to offset 100% of the park’s electricity usage.

Ara Krikorian, Executive Vice President of Commercial Development at Solar Optimum, highlighted the project’s scale, calling it the “largest solar carport in California” and the “largest single-interconnection commercial and industrial development in the world.”

Expected to produce 20.8 million kWh annually, this solar carport will generate enough power to meet the demands of nearly 3,000 homes. The environmental impact is significant, with an anticipated reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to removing over 3,100 cars from the road each year.

The agreement between Six Flags and the project developers includes a 25-year purchase plan for the electricity generated, with an estimated total production of 517 million kWh over the period.

A key feature of the project is the inclusion of a 1.96 MW / 7.89 MWh battery energy storage system, which will enhance energy reliability and efficiency. The carport will utilize Recom Panther bifacial half-cut solar panels, which can generate electricity from both direct sunlight and light reflected from the ground.

Recom’s Panther series panels come in various formats, including G1: 158.75mm, M6: 166mm, M10: 182mm, and G12: 210mm, with wattage ratings ranging from 360 W to 665 W. The panels are available in both monofacial and bifacial versions, offering different frame and backsheet options. They come with a 25-year product warranty, promising a first-year output of 98% of the initial rating, a degradation rate of less than 0.54% annually, and over 85% output after 25 years.

This latest initiative at Six Flags follows the park’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy, adding to its existing solar facilities at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Northern California and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. With the completion of the Los Angeles carport, Six Flags will have a combined total of 42.37 MW of solar capacity, positioning it among the largest commercial investors in on-site solar energy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the project, emphasizing the state’s leadership in climate action and innovation. “Six Flags’ commitment to clean energy is the type of work that will power our future and ensure our kids have a healthy planet to call home,” Newsom stated.

This project underscores the growing trend of large-scale commercial investments in renewable energy and highlights the potential for substantial environmental and economic benefits from such initiatives.