Renewable Energy
at the Intersection of Conservation and Research
A 3.7 MW DC solar project spanning 16 acres at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, delivering clean electricity to the cities of Temecula and Lake Elsinore while supporting San Diego State University's ongoing renewable energy and environmental research programs. The project reduces local utility power costs by approximately 15% and serves as a model for future solar development in California.
Background
Located approximately 4 miles southwest of Temecula, California, the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER) Research 1 Solar project occupies 16 acres of land that sits at a unique crossroads of renewable energy production, ecological conservation, and academic research. The cities of Temecula and Lake Elsinore purchase the clean energy generated by the solar farm under a power purchase agreement, reducing their reliance on local utility power by approximately 15%.
BioStar Renewables provided full development and EPC services for the project, along with ongoing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and asset management. At peak construction, the project supported approximately 30 jobs and has since been recognized as a model for future solar development across California.
Client: City of Temecula & Lake Elsinore, CA
Location: Temecula, CA
Technology: Solar PV
Year: 2025
A Model for California Solar Development
The SMER Research 1 project demonstrates how solar development can be successfully integrated into ecologically sensitive landscapes without compromising environmental integrity. Sited within the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, the project underwent careful planning to ensure compatibility with the reserve's conservation mission. The result is a high-performing solar asset that generates clean energy for two municipalities while coexisting with the reserve's broader ecological and research objectives.
The system's GameChange Solar fixed-tilt racking — spanning 28 rows across the site — is designed for durability, low maintenance, and performance in demanding weather conditions. Chint Inverters provide high efficiency and advanced grid support capabilities, ensuring reliable energy delivery and optimal long-term output.
Highlights
- System Capacity: 3.7 MW DC
- Solar Panels: 10,000+ photovoltaic modules
- Site Area: 16 acres
- Grid Offset: Approximately 15% reduction in local utility power costs for both cities
- Energy Purchasers: City of Temecula and City of Lake Elsinore
- Jobs Created: Approximately 30 at peak construction
- Project Type: Community solar / municipal power purchase agreement
BioStar's EPC Approach
Emissions Reduction Impact
BioStar Renewables provided turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services, along with ongoing Operations and Maintenance and asset management, giving the project's municipal stakeholders a single, accountable partner across the full project lifecycle. Our in-house expertise spans:
- Development & Feasibility: Site assessment, energy modeling, interconnection strategy, and financial structuring
- Engineering: System design, electrical engineering, structural analysis, and permitting
- Procurement: Sourcing and logistics for panels, inverters, racking, and balance-of-system components
- Construction: Full project management, civil work, electrical installation, and commissioning
- Operations & Maintenance: Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and performance reporting to protect long-term asset value
- Asset Management: Financial and operational oversight to maximize project performance over the system's lifetime
0+
metric tons of CO₂ emissions displaced per year
0
gas-powered cars removed from the road per year
0
homes electricity usagefor an entire year
About BioStar Renewables
BioStar Renewables is a leading developer and EPC contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, municipal, and institutional solar projects across the United States. From navigating complex regulatory and ecological environments to delivering long-term operations and asset management services, BioStar provides end-to-end expertise for solar projects of all scales and settings. Learn more about BioStar.
About the Ecological Reserve
The Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve is a protected natural area managed in partnership with San Diego State University, encompassing diverse habitat types in southwestern Riverside County. The reserve supports active field research across ecology, biology, environmental science, and now renewable energy — serving as an outdoor classroom and research hub for SDSU students and faculty.
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