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Clean energy isn’t just about power — it’s about people. The Ranch Sereno project shows how solar developers can navigate community opposition by designing projects to serve multiple local needs.
As a solar developer, I’ve experienced firsthand how renewable energy projects can struggle to address community opposition, navigate complicated permitting processes, and align with the priorities of the people they impact. So, when planning the Ranch Sereno community solar project, we decided to meet these concerns by centering local impact at every stage.
Located in California’s Contra Costa County, Ranch Sereno serves an area facing energy challenges common to the western U.S. Long-distance transmission lines are increasingly vulnerable to wildfires, heat waves, and other climate-driven events. Community solar projects like Ranch Sereno reduce reliance on these fragile systems by generating power near where it’s used, offering a more resilient energy solution for local families and businesses.
But resilience is only part of the story.
Thoughtful Decisions Reduced Permitting Concerns
Truly sustainable energy developments must be grounded in the realities of their local economy and environment, starting with site selection. That’s why we analyzed and chose a location in Contra Costa County’s Solar Energy Generation overlay zone.
This choice not only streamlined the permitting process and leveraged existing infrastructure, but also reduced local concerns about impacts on potential farmland and sensitive habitats. Hydrological mapping and software allowed us to refine site borders, exclude sensitive areas, and achieve a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Categorical Exemption. Minimizing grading requirements also reduced erosion risks, which made extensive specialized equipment unnecessary — shortening both permitting and construction timelines.
In addition to meeting local environmental needs, Ranch Sereno’s construction also supports the local economy. The project’s Five-Craft Agreement guarantees the hire of skilled local labor, which will create about 50 jobs during construction. These jobs will bring tangible benefits for local families across multiple trades, strengthening ties between the project and the community.
Active Listening and Local Collaboration Built Community Trust
It’s true that, even with all these preliminary considerations, engaging with the community wasn’t always easy. We did encounter pushback during the permitting process, including neighborhood appeals.
But what stood out to me was how open conversations and a willingness to listen helped us overcome these challenges. By reaching out to residents with large networks, practicing active listening during our virtual public meetings, and collaborating with local leaders, we ensured residents felt heard. Their support helped us build the trust needed to move forward and secure Conditional Use Approval.
Solar Succeeds When Communities Gain More Than Energy
The Ranch Sereno project has shown me that clean energy projects, whether community or utility-scale, succeed most when they provide more than power to their communities. By focusing on local impact, from initial site selection to the end of the project’s environmental lifecycle, the solar industry can help assure communities that these projects create pathways to economic growth and energy resilience. (A recent study even shows they can raise local property values.)
As we look to 2025 and beyond, I believe that community-focused solar isn’t just for shared solar, and isn’t just an option for our industry — it’s the way forward.
All the best,
Ardi Arian, President and CEO of Renewable America
About Ardi Arian: Ardi founded and leads Renewable America, a leading provider of distributed energy resources with over 320 megawatts MW of solar and 680 MWh of energy storage projects under development throughout California.
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