Trailblazing Energy Innovation: Inside Vikings Solar-plus-Storage, One of America’s First Solar Peaker Plants

In the heart of Imperial County, California, a groundbreaking energy project is advancing how America delivers reliable, homegrown power. Arevon’s Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project is more than just a solar generation site — it’s a strategic energy asset, designed to keep the lights on and costs down when demand is at its highest. As one of the first utility-scale solar peaker plants in the United States, Vikings is proving that innovation in energy storage can strengthen the grid, create jobs, and bolster America’s energy independence.

Meeting Energy Demand With Smart Solutions

What are peaker plants? Peaker plants, or “peakers,” are power generation facilities designed to operate only during periods of peak electricity demand. Though not in constant use, peaker plants must be available in real-time to supply power when demand surges. This can happen daily, such as in the evening when people return home, or sporadically during extreme weather events like heatwaves, when energy demand spikes unexpectedly.

For decades, utilities have relied on fossil fuel-powered peaker plants to provide electricity during times of peak demand — hot summer afternoons, sudden cold snaps, or moments when the grid is strained. These plants, while effective, are costly to operate and primarily run on natural gas or oil, which additionally exposes consumers to price volatility, as high electricity demand can also mean high fuel prices.

The Vikings project changes that equation. By storing a portion of the facility’s low-cost solar energy and deploying it during high-demand periods, Vikings ensures reliable power, reduces reliance on traditional peaker plants, and helps to future-proof energy costs. Beyond the financial advantage, energy storage offers a significantly faster response time — it can ramp up or down almost instantly in response to grid operator signals.

A Model for Strengthening the Grid While Fostering Energy Independence

As a U.S.-based company, Arevon is dedicated to securing America’s energy security and independence. We built Vikings Solar-plus-Storage to strengthen the grid with reliable, homegrown, and affordable power. This versatile energy asset delivers low-cost daytime solar energy while storing a portion for use during higher-cost peak demand periods in the late afternoon and evening with four hours of energy storage capabilities. Vikings is also ready to step in during extreme weather, to help prevent costly and dangerous brownouts and blackouts that threaten lives and burden Americans with billions of dollars in costs each year.

Designed with a unique 1:1 configuration, Vikings integrates 157 megawatts (MWdc) of solar with 150 MW/600 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery storage, enabling seamless energy shifting. By storing a portion of its daytime-generated power for peak hours, the facility helps its offtaker, San Diego Community Power (Community Power), serve their nearly 1 million customer accounts with affordable and reliable clean energy.

“The Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project directly supports San Diego Community Power’s investment in clean, reliable and affordable energy to our customers,” said Byron Vosburg, Chief Commercial Officer with San Diego Community Power. “Vikings is contracted to provide resource adequacy and renewable energy to San Diego Community Power, with the potential to power 50,000 homes during times of peak demand, helping to support grid reliability.”

Such smart energy infrastructure strengthens America’s ability to power itself independently, reducing reliance on volatile global energy markets.

Vikings in Action: Real Performance Data From the Field

The Vikings Solar-plus-Storage Project has been delivering critical, on-demand power since entering commercial operation in October of 2024. In less than a year, the results speak for themselves:

• More than 1,126 hours of critical peak-time operation: Vikings’ energy storage system has been dispatched over a thousand times during the highest demand periods on the grid. That’s power delivered exactly when it’s needed most — supporting grid reliability and helping keep electricity affordable.
• More than 690 hours of nighttime delivery: even after sunset, the Vikings system has continued supplying dependable electricity — demonstrating that stored solar power can serve communities around the clock.
• Response time under five seconds: when a signal is sent, Vikings delivers power to the grid in less than five seconds. That kind of rapid response is essential to maintaining grid stability and avoiding costly brownouts and blackouts.
• Essential backup and grid support: Vikings has delivered key ancillary services, including frequency regulation and reserve capacity — core functions that ensure the grid operates within safe parameters and is prepared to respond to sudden spikes in demand.
• Zero operational safety incidents: under Arevon’s experienced operations and asset management team, Vikings has achieved a flawless safety record since entering operations — proof that reliable performance doesn’t come at the expense of safety.

As electricity demand surges — driven in part by data center growth and the rise of artificial intelligence — the ability to build reliable domestic energy without the long construction timelines of traditional power plants or reliance on imported or volatile-priced fuel becomes even more critical. In 2024, more than 90% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity came from renewable sources, with solar accounting for over 81%. It was the single largest annual increase by any energy source in the past two decades, helping meet new demand quickly and cost-effectively. Vikings is a concrete example of why solar is America’s top choice for new energy buildout — delivering fast, scalable, and affordable electricity when and where it’s needed most.

Economic and Community Benefits

The impact of the Vikings project extends beyond energy reliability. With a $529 million financing package, Vikings has been recognized as a landmark private investment in U.S. energy infrastructure, earning IJGlobal’s Deal of the Year – Energy Storage – North America award. Its success underscores how private sector innovation, coupled with smart energy planning, can drive economic growth and create jobs.

During construction, Vikings employed more than 170 workers, including many locals, stimulating nearby businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and stores. Additionally, over its lifespan, Vikings will contribute more than $17 million to local governments, helping fund schools and other public services.

Vikings also supports domestic manufacturing. The project integrates components from leading U.S. suppliers, including Tesla, First Solar, and Nextracker. By prioritizing American-made technology, Arevon is helping to strengthen domestic supply chains and ensure the nation’s energy future is built with homegrown resources.

Safety and Reliability First

Safety is a top priority for Arevon, and Vikings sets a high standard. Since 2021, Arevon has successfully operated its energy storage facilities without a single thermal or recordable safety incident — a testament to its rigorous safety protocols. The project’s cutting-edge Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology is among the safest available, with a proven track record of safety and reliability.

The Future of American Energy

Vikings isn’t just a project — it’s a proof of concept for how America can lead in energy innovation. As the demand for flexible, responsive power grows, solar peaker plants will play an increasingly vital role in keeping the grid stable and energy costs predictable. In the next decade, experts estimate that an additional 20 gigawatts of peaking capacity will be needed to meet growing electricity demand. Projects like Vikings pave the way for cost-effective, scalable solutions that protect homes and businesses from costly service interruptions, saving billions and safeguarding lives.

Leading the Way in Energy Innovation

Arevon is proving that energy reliability and economic prosperity go hand in hand. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, supporting American manufacturing, and prioritizing safety, Vikings sets the stage for a new generation of energy infrastructure that is built to help companies like Community Power serve their communities.

With bipartisan appeal, the message is clear: smart energy policies and investments strengthen the economy, create jobs, and enhance national security. Vikings isn’t just a win for California, it’s a model for the entire country. Utility-scale solar and energy storage are essential to a strong American energy future — improving grid reliability, enhancing energy security, and lowering costs with reliable domestic power.

The future of American energy is reliable, responsive, cost effective, and built right here at home.

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