Six Flags Magic Mountain has broken ground a new 12.37-megawatt solar carport, described as California’s largest solar energy project.
The solar facility, located over the main parking lot, is in partnership with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables. In a press release, the park said it is the largest single-site commercial renewable energy project in California.
“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on this monumental project and taking the next step towards a cleaner, greener future,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain’s interim park president Jeff Harris. “We’re continuing to make advancements towards improving and protecting the environment, and are honored to be industry leaders, paving the way for other theme park companies around the world.”
He added: “Getting a glance at what this massive structure will bring to our parks and community is simply remarkable.”
Once operational, the 637,000-square-foot solar carport will allow Six Flags Magic Mountain to offset 100 percent of its energy usage with solar power.
It will produce 20.8 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,874 homes.
The facility is the third solar installation for Six Flags, with on-site solar capabilities at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Six Flags Great Adventure.
California’s largest solar energy project
“Solar canopies have always been an excellent use of otherwise underutilized space and this site, with its wide open parking lots, provides the perfect canvas to build on,” said Danielle Fidel, senior director, developer network at DSD.
“The Six Flags Magic Mountain solar project stands as the largest of its kind in the nation, boasting an impressive area exceeding 637,000 square feet of shade structures,” said Arno Aghamalian, CEO and founder of Solar Optimum. “The magnitude of this undertaking is a marvel in itself, and as we initiate the construction phase, we are excited to offer a glimpse into what this project will evolve into by the year’s end.”
