8minutenergy Renewables, LLC (8minutenergy), an independent solar developer in the U.S., has been chosen by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to develop a fourth Redwood Solar Farm project for 26 MWdc (20 MWac) in Central California.

8minutenergy is one of the developers building new solar resources to support PG&E’s Solar Choice program. Located near Bakersfield, Calif., the new project will be a dedicated resource for the program and is set to begin construction in 2017. Development of the Redwood 4 project is anticipated to create about 200 jobs in Kern County.

8minutenergy has developed three other Redwood Solar Farm projects in Bakersfield, Kern County, which total more than 72 MWdc, and have been operational since the end of 2015. Those three projects are now owned by sPower.

“This is the third Redwood Solar Farm project that we have won through California’s RAM (Renewable Auction Mechanism) program, which is further proof of our strategic business model aligning with the program’s ability to deliver cost-effective solar,” said Martin Hermann, CEO and Founder of 8minutenergy. “We are grateful to work with PG&E again, and are proud partners in bringing clean energy to their customers.”

“With nearly 15% utility solar market share in California – the most competitive solar market in the country – 8minutenergy is dedicated to building on our track record in the state. We are laser-focused on cost, and supportive of our progressive partners, such as PG&E, who recognize the benefits of wholesale renewable energy,” said Tom Buttgenbach, President of 8minutenergy.