Updates / News

Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch to Deliver Major Economic Boost to Sacramento County While Advancing Clean Energy Goals

Sacramento, CA – The Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch (CCAR), a renewable energy project being developed by DESRI, is poised to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to Sacramento County and the greater region.

Independent economic modeling by Economic & Planning Systems (EPS) projects that construction activities and related purchases of local goods and services will inject more than $365 million into the Sacramento economy. A major share of these benefits will come from the project’s commitment to employ highly trained union labor. Construction of the solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) is expected to create up to 350 good-paying jobs during the buildout period.

Once operational, CCAR will generate approximately $5 million annually in ongoing economic contributions. The project is anticipated to provide more than $67 million in property tax revenues for Sacramento County over its first 20 years, and it will have little to no demand for county services. Importantly, the project will not require new water or sewer infrastructure, nor will it necessitate significant public road improvements.

“This project represents a significant investment in Sacramento County’s economy,” said William Risse, Director of Development at DESRI. “It will support new job creation and a resilient, skilled workforce while generating cost-effective and reliable power for the community.”

“Projects like Coyote Creek deliver lasting value for Sacramento County by generating millions in local investment and supporting hundreds of good-paying jobs,” said Robert Heidt, President and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate DESRI’s commitment to ensuring renewable energy development goes hand in hand with real community benefits.”

DESRI, the owner of CCAR, is a leading investor and operator of renewable energy projects across the United States. With nearly 11 gigawatts of contracted, operating, and in-construction capacity, DESRI is committed to delivering reliable, clean energy while creating long-term value for local communities and the environment.

Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch Announces Major Investment in Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area

Sacramento, CA – Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch (CCAR), a renewable energy project developed by DESRI, announces a significant commitment to Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (PCSVRA), pledging over $2.5 million in park improvements and dedicated funding as part of the forthcoming construction of its solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project.

As part of this investment, CCAR will fund and implement substantial upgrades to the park’s go-karting facilities. These enhancements include the construction of a modernized pro-shop building, a new “grid” canopy structure to house the go-karts directly adjacent to the pro-shop, and realignment of segments of the track to elevate the user experience to a world-class standard.

Additionally, CCAR has committed to working closely with California State Parks and SMUD to fund and coordinate the relocation of a distribution line pole near the park’s entrance. This pole has been challenging for park visitors, particularly those towing large trailers. Relocating the pole will significantly improve access and safety for Park users.

In further support of PCSVRA, CCAR has pledged $1 million in funding dedicated to additional Park enhancements, including trail upgrades, aesthetic improvements, and features that align with the long-term vision outlined in the park’s general plan.

“PCSVRA has played a vital role in coordinating the development of CCAR over many years,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and support, and these commitments reflect our appreciation for the staff and the broader Park user community.”

DESRI, the owner of CCAR, is a leading investor and owner-operator of renewable energy projects across the United States. With a portfolio spanning utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects, DESRI is committed to advancing clean energy while working closely with communities to deliver local benefits and long-term sustainability. Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch is a testament to DESRI’s mission to integrate renewable energy development with agricultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community partnerships.

Ribbon Cut on Sloughhouse Solar Agrivoltaic Project, Set to Power 12,000 Sacramento Homes with Clean Energy

Sloughhouse, CA – Today marks a major milestone in the region’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future as DESRI, a leading renewable energy provider officially cuts the ribbon on the Sloughhouse Solar Agrivoltaic Project—a 50-megawatt facility that will generate enough clean, affordable energy to power more than 12,000 homes in the Sacramento area. The facility commenced commercial operations in June 2025.

Built in partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the Sloughhouse Solar Project will help reduce carbon emissions by approximately 90,000 metric tons each year—the equivalent of taking approximately 19,000 cars off the road annually.

“We’re proud to celebrate this exciting moment for Sloughhouse and the greater Sacramento community,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer at DESRI. “This project not only delivers reliable, renewable power but also sets a new standard for how solar and agriculture can work hand in hand to benefit the environment and local landowners.”

Located on 400 acres of Wanlass Ranch in east Sacramento County, the Sloughhouse Solar Project is unique in that it follows an agrivoltaic model—allowing for ongoing agricultural use, including livestock grazing, while solar panels produce clean electricity. The project will also enrich the land with long-term cover crops, like cool-season grasses, that help store carbon in the soil. Once the project reaches the end of its operational life, the land will be fully restored.

“This innovative solar project represents another significant milestone in SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan as we work toward carbon-free electricity by 2030,” said SMUD Chief Zero Carbon Officer Lora Anguay. “By partnering with DESRI on this project, we’re demonstrating how clean energy and agriculture can work together while strengthening our local grid and maintaining the affordability our customers rely on.”

“Sacramento is a special place – built on collaboration across levels of government, community organizations and businesses that are focused on meeting the needs of our communities,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Our clean energy future is here and now, and through projects like Sloughhouse Solar, Sacramento is continuing to lead the nation forward. Because we understand the transformative impact of ensuring a cleaner, healthier and affordable Sacramento for generations to come.”

Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch Partners with Sacramento Tree Foundation to Deliver Long-Term Oak Tree Mitigation

PRESS RELEASE – Sacramento, CA – June 9, 2025 – Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch announced today that it has finalized a formal partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to implement oak tree mitigation efforts for the proposed 200 MW solar and battery energy storage project in Sacramento County.

As part of the agreement, every oak tree removed during construction will be replaced with a new oak tree, with a commitment to monitor and maintain the new trees for at least seven years to ensure their long-term success. The replanting effort will focus on native species, with at least 95% consisting of Valley Oaks and Blue Oaks, helping to restore and expand Sacramento’s iconic oak woodland canopy.

“Private and non-profit partnerships such as this are essential for the long-term success of our organization, especially in a time when grants and other funds are increasingly competitive or inaccessible,” said Dr. Jessica Sanders, Executive Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation. “This partnership provides tree mitigation in exchange for a vital renewable energy source, and a funding source that will help the Sacramento Tree Foundation expand our vision throughout the region.”

The Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch, being developed by DESRI, will serve as a model for how clean energy development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

“We are thrilled to have found a partner in the institution that is Sacramento Tree Foundation,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer for DESRI. “The opportunity to create this partnership provides us comfort that our ambitious replanting goals for the project are assured, and we are excited to contribute to the growth of the Sacramento Tree Foundation.”

This partnership represents a broader effort by DESRI and its partners to design projects that deliver both climate benefits and ecological restoration, reinforcing Sacramento County’s leadership in sustainability and smart land use.

DESRI announces Permanent Preservation of over 1,150 Acres of Conservation Lands Adjacent to Proposed Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch

Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch announced that it has executed agreements allowing for the permanent preservation of over 1,150 acres of land adjacent to the proposed Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch solar and storage project. When the project begins construction, these areas will be preserved via conservation easements, protecting them permanently from all forms of development. These agreements will protect hundreds of acres of oak canopy, vernal pools, streams, and wetlands. Following the decommissioning of the solar project in 30+ years, these preserved areas will continue to provide a valuable source of habitat to sensitive species for years to come.

Coyote Creek is Gold Sponsor of the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta!

Our local Kiwanis Club is committed to service and helping children across our community with events like Little League Opening Day, the Dictionary Project, and the offering of high school scholarships. From childhood to entering adulthood, the Kiwanis Club is getting our children ready for their futures.

Coyote Creek is a lead sponsor of the annual Sloughhouse Alta Mesa 4-H Club’s Tri Tip Dinner fundraiser!

The Tri Tip fundraiser helped pave the way for the club to not only attend the Sacramento County Fair, but also enter their animals into competitions. We are proud to help reward the members of the 4-H Club for their hard work and provide our whole county the opportunity to view their efforts.

Sacramento utility signs PPA for 200 MW Solar & 400MWh Battery Storage project in northern California

SMUD agrees to buy power from massive D.E. Shaw solar array

Coyote Creek is Gold Sponsor of the Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta!

Our local Kiwanis Club is committed to service and helping children across our community with events like Little League Opening Day, the Dictionary Project, and the offering of high school scholarships. From childhood to entering adulthood, the Kiwanis Club is getting our children ready for their futures.