Clearway Energy Group has closed a $550 million construction financing and begun construction on its 140 MW solar and 118 MW storage project in Kern County, California’s Rosamond South I.

“Kern County has long been a key energy supplier to our nation,” said Brooks Friedeman, vice president of capital markets at Clearway.

“We are excited to invest in and continue Kern County’s energy leadership with our Rosamond South solar and storage project. It will provide reliable, cost-effective power when it is needed most.”

Rosamond South I, known to its customers as Golden Fields Solar IV, is subject to 15-year contracts with MCE, the University of California, Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Utility, Eastside Power Authority and the city of Moreno Valley.

To finance the construction loan, Clearway put together a banking consortium consisting of Societe Generale, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Siemens Financial Services, Commerzbank, CoBank, DNB Bank ASA and Nord/LB.

Construction is being led by EPC contractor McCarthy Building Companies. Labor partners included Laborers Union 220, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 12, IBEW Local 428, Ironworkers Local 416 and Local 433.

The project is expected to begin commercial operations next year.