The Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER) Research 1 Solar project, located on 16 acres approximately 4 miles southwest of Temecula, CA, provides clean, renewable energy to the City of Temecula and Lake Elsinore. The 3.7 MWdc project, powered by over 10,000 photovoltaic (PV) modules, has the potential to displace more than 4.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually—comparable to removing 971 cars from the road each year. The cities purchase the clean energy generated by the solar farm, reducing local utility power costs by approximately 15%.
The project features Chint Inverters, known for their high efficiency, reliability, and advanced grid support capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and energy yield. Additionally, it utilizes a GameChange Solar ground-mounted fixed-tilt racking system, designed for cost-effective, high-performance solar deployment. The system includes 28 rows of fixed-tilt racking, maximizing energy capture while providing a durable, low-maintenance solution that withstands extreme weather conditions and optimizes long-term energy output.
The site also serves as a research hub for San Diego State University’s (SDSU), Field Stations Program, supporting studies on solar radiation, solar energy efficiency, soil conditions, meteorological patterns, and habitat restoration. SDSU uses the reserve for hands-on research and field studies, contributing valuable data to the advancement of renewable energy and environmental conservation.
BioStar provided development, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, along with ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management. At peak construction, the project created approximately 30 jobs and serves as a model for future solar projects in California, contributing to the continued advancement and affordability of solar energy.
Learn more about BioStar and our work here.
