Renewable Properties Breaks Ground on Three New Solar and Storage Projects in California Totaling 17 MW of Solar and 16 MWh of Storage
Renewable Properties, a San Francisco-based developer and investor in small-scale utility and community renewable energy projects, has officially commenced construction on three new clean energy initiatives in the state of California. These projects, which include both solar and battery energy storage components, will provide a combined capacity of over 17 megawatts of direct current (MWdc) in solar energy and 16 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage when completed in 2025.
These new projects are designed to serve the growing demand for distributed renewable power in California, particularly for communities and customers participating in programs through local power providers like Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). In a state that has consistently led the U.S. in clean energy adoption, these efforts reflect a continued push toward grid decarbonization, energy equity, and resilience.
Project Overview and Financing Details
The three solar projects—Redemeyer Road Solar, Althea Avenue Solar Phase I, and Althea Avenue Solar Phase II—are located across two California counties: Mendocino County in Northern California and Fresno County in the Central Valley. Together, they represent a significant investment in distributed clean energy and local economic development.
To finance construction, Renewable Properties has secured two loans from a trio of financial institutions committed to the clean energy transition. Optus Bank, Pathward®, N.A., and BridgePeak Energy Capital are providing the financial backing.
- Redemeyer Road Solar is supported by a $16.3 million construction loan.
- Althea Phase I and Phase II are backed by a $19.518 million loan.
These funds will help cover the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) costs and ensure the projects reach commercial operation on schedule.
Redemeyer Road Solar + Storage Project
Located in Ukiah, California, in Mendocino County, the Redemeyer Road Solar project is a 5.56 MWdc solar installation that includes a 4 MWdc/16 MWh battery energy storage system. The integration of battery storage allows the project to provide clean electricity not only when the sun is shining but also during evening hours, which typically experience higher demand and rely more heavily on fossil fuel peaker plants.
The Redemeyer project is particularly notable for its partnership with Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), a local community choice aggregator (CCA). The energy generated from this project will serve SCP’s EverGreen program, a first-of-its-kind offering that supplies customers with 100% locally generated, renewable energy around the clock. This includes energy from solar, geothermal, and battery storage systems located within Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
Upon completion—scheduled for the third quarter of 2025—the Redemeyer Solar + Storage facility is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power 1,021 average California homes. In terms of environmental impact, the project will offset approximately 5,667 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to removing over 1,200 passenger vehicles from the road.
Althea Avenue Solar Phases I and II
In Fresno County, Renewable Properties has also broken ground on two adjacent solar projects—Althea Avenue Solar Phase I and Phase II—totaling 11.44 MWdc combined. These projects are located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, a region that has both abundant solar potential and a high concentration of disadvantaged communities.
- Althea Phase I is a 6.42 MWdc solar project that will participate in PG&E’s Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff (DAC-GT) program. This initiative was created to expand access to clean energy for low- to moderate-income households by offering a 20% discount on electricity rates for eligible residents. Once operational, Althea Phase I will generate enough power for 1,311 homes annually and avoid the release of approximately 7,275 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year.
- Althea Phase II, a 5.02 MWdc facility, will contribute to PG&E’s Solar Choice program, which allows customers—especially those unable to install rooftop solar—to purchase up to 100% of their electricity from solar resources. Like the Redemeyer project, Althea Phase II will have the capacity to power around 1,021 homes annually and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 5,667 metric tons.
Both Althea projects are expected to reach commercial operation by the fourth quarter of 2025, helping PG&E meet state-mandated renewable portfolio standards and environmental justice goals.
Expanding Equitable Access to Clean Energy
In remarks accompanying the announcement, Renewable Properties’ CEO Aaron Halimi highlighted the importance of expanding renewable energy access to all Californians. “These projects reflect Renewable Properties’ ongoing commitment to expanding locally generated renewable energy,” said Halimi. “We’re grateful to our partners Optus Bank, Pathward, and BridgePeak Energy Capital for enabling us to help more Californians go solar, regardless of income or having rooftop access.”
That emphasis on equity and inclusion is a central theme in all three projects. By participating in programs like SCP’s EverGreen and PG&E’s DAC-GT and Solar Choice, Renewable Properties is helping remove barriers that often prevent low-income households and renters from participating in the renewable energy revolution. Whether due to cost, property ownership status, or lack of physical space, many customers have historically been excluded from the benefits of solar. These community-focused programs are helping to change that.
Financial and Institutional Backing
The financial institutions supporting the projects also expressed strong alignment with the mission of Renewable Properties. Their involvement reflects a growing trend in impact investing, where returns are measured not only in profit but also in social and environmental outcomes.
- Reginald Webber, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Optus Bank, emphasized the strategic importance of solar and storage. “Financing solar + storage projects like these is critical to supporting the electrification of our economy,” he said. “Our investment underscores our mission to drive clean energy across the U.S.”
- Christopher Soupal, Divisional President and Revenue Lending Officer at Pathward, added, “Pathward is dedicated to empowering Minority Depository Institutions to participate in the energy transition. We work strategically with mission-driven lenders like Optus Bank to co-finance opportunities that qualify for Deep Impact Credits, allowing our collective capital to go further in underserved communities.”
- Shawn Andrews, CEO of BridgePeak Energy Capital, shared the company’s long-term relationship with Renewable Properties. “Our partnership with Renewable Properties dates back to 2019, and we’re proud to continue supporting their efforts to expand access to inexpensive and sustainable domestic energy,” said Andrews. “We look forward to growing our collaboration with both Renewable Properties and our Minority Depository Institution partners well into the future.”
A Growing National Footprint
These three California projects are just a part of a much larger development pipeline for Renewable Properties. The company anticipates breaking ground on 100 MWdc of new small-scale utility and community solar projects across multiple states—including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York—by the end of 2025.
As of March 2025, the company reports a 1.2 gigawatt direct current (GWdc) total development pipeline, reflecting its ambitious plans to scale up its portfolio to meet growing clean energy demand and contribute meaningfully to decarbonization goals.
With a strong financial backing, a mission-driven approach, and projects that align with both environmental and social goals, Renewable Properties continues to play a leading role in accelerating the clean energy transition—one local solar project at a time.
