Sheppard’s Energy and Infrastructure industry team advised U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) (U.S. Bank) in a tax equity investment in Idemitsu Renewable’s 84 MWac photovoltaic solar generation project paired with a 38 MWac/152 MWh battery energy storage system located in Kern County, California.
U.S. Bank also provided construction financing for the project, called the Azalea Solar and Storage Project.
The Azalea project, which achieved Commercial Operation on December 31, 2025, will deliver clean, reliable renewable energy to the California grid under a long-term power purchase agreement with Sonoma Clean Power Authority. The facility combines high-efficiency photovoltaic technology with advanced battery storage to enhance grid stability and optimize energy delivery during peak demand periods. The project will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 20,000 homes across Sonoma and Mendocino Counties annually, offsetting 50,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year.
Benjamin Huffman led the Sheppard team, which included Josh Block, Anthony Sensoli and Megan LaTronica and invaluable help from Sheppard’s large team of energy project development and operations experts.
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