Reports suggest that the United States is the second-largest solar power-producing country in the world, which is a commendable achievement. The downside of this fact, however, is that China is the leading nation and possesses more than five times the capacity of the United States. The nation has a long way to go in reducing the gap, but initiatives like that of Intersect Power, which is preparing to launch the construction phase of the Darden Clean Energy Project, will certainly go a long way in increasing the U.S.’s capacity.
Intersect Power makes plans to begin the construction of a major facility
Before conducting a detailed analysis of the upcoming facility, it is essential to understand just how far Intersect Power has come. The company was founded in 2016, making it relatively new in the context of the energy industry, which contains companies that have existed for decades.
Nonetheless, it has amassed a great deal of prominence and traction behind it following the groundbreaking developments it has been a part of. In the latter part of 2025, it was reported that the firm managed 2.2 GW of solar generation and 2.5 GWh of storage with a major pipeline in the works.
These reports were proven true in the early part of 2026, as it has now been confirmed that Intersect Power is preparing to commence construction on the Darden Clean Energy Project, which is a significant solar-plus-storage development in California.
The location of the facility was unsurprising because California is the biggest solar-producing state in the United States, meaning companies are more inclined to be among other massive developments. The upcoming project is rumored to combine utility-scale solar generation with enormous battery energy storage to support grid reliability and renewable energy integration.
It is truly exciting times for the US energy industry, especially considering the number of solar initiatives that have already been confirmed this year.
Unpacking the detailed plan for the construction of the Darden Clean Energy Project
One unmissable fact about the initiative is that it is enormous in size. The developers plan for it to occupy about 9,500 acres of land in Fresno County, California. The projects will constitute a 1,150-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic facility together with an up to 4,600-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS).
The strategy behind the pairing is to ensure that the facility is able to store solar power and transfer it to the grid when required. This strategy has already been utilized in numerous developments, as experts have uncovered that it helps in balancing supply and demand during times when solar generation is low or demand increases.
What economic and community impacts is the Darden project expected to have?
One of the most anticipated factors for energy developers by the general public is how they stand to gain from it. The Darden project is expected to improve the economic landscape in the region. For instance, the construction process alone might create more than 2,000 jobs over a period of approximately 1.5 to three years.
Looking ahead: The long-term impacts of Intersect Power’s facility
California residents need to gear up and be ready for the project expected to span around 35 years. Luckily, this means an estimated $169 million in economic benefits will be generated for the region. One commendable thing that Intersect Power has done is dedicate $2 million to community investments.
This starts with a $320,000 amount to Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, which supports family wellness and civic engagement in rural parts of Fresno County.
Reports suggest that the battery storage is manufactured with the intention of providing four hours of energy, solidifying it as one of the largest energy storage systems ever developed in history. California plans to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2045, and with developments like this, it will easily reach that goal.
