Wildflower solar
Renewable energy for one of the largest publicly owned utility companies in the US
About the Wildflower Solar project
In November 2018, Lightsource bp signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Sacramento Municipal Utilities Division (SMUD), one of the largest publicly owned utility companies in the United States. Under the agreement, Lightsource bp has financed, built, and is now operating a 16.5 megawatt solar farm within SMUD’s service territory in Sacramento County, California. SMUD will purchase all the electricity under the 25-year PPA. The project went online at the end of 2020.
The solar farm, called Wildflower Solar, supports SMUD’s renewable energy and carbon reduction goals. It will generate enough affordable, clean energy to cover the equivalent annual electricity needs of 2,624 homes in northern California. The project also supports SMUD’s Neighborhood SolarShares community solar program, meeting growing consumer demand for clean energy and locally sited solar power.
News & Announcements
16.5MWᴅᴄ
/13MWᴀᴄ capacity
21,850
metric tons of CO2 saved per year
4,640
fuel-burning cars taken off road (equivalent)
2,600
homes powered per year
75
local jobs created during construction
Site selection & preliminary design
Stakeholder outreach
Permitting & environmental studies
Land management & biodiversity planning
Final engineering, financing & construction
Operation & maintenance
Decommissioning & recycling
Social & environmental benefits for California
The project is bringing numerous social and environmental benefits to California, in addition to improving air quality by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation.
- We introduced solar sheep grazing to the project in 2024. A local California sheep grazer feeds his flock on the project land, while helping maintain vegetation through natural means. This helps bring new revenue into his business through paid grazing contracts, in addition to the meat and wool he produces.
- We designed a high-density pollinator garden for Wildflower Solar in collaboration with ecology experts to restore and conserve pollinator habitat.
- Native vegetation, including several types of grasses and California wildflowers grow under and around the solar panels.
- The project supports SMUD’s Neighborhood SolarShares community solar program, helping bring home-grown solar to low income households in the community.
Responsible Solar Stories
Find out more about our Responsible Solar approach in action.
Wildflower Solar Photo Gallery
Information and resources
We’ve put together a collection of resources for anyone who’d like to know more about utility-scale solar energy.
Solar farm FAQs
We’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions, and their answers.
Solar energy basics
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
Lightsource bp educational materials
Solar panel safety and recycling
Get in Touch
If you’d like to find out more about this project, email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com. We aim to get back to you within five working days.
If you are a member of the media, please visit our Press Center.
