Aratina Solar Center

The Aratina Solar Center is a solar project under construction on privately owned land in eastern Kern County, California, near the communities of Boron and Desert Lake. The project will feature a photovoltaic solar array (no mirrors) with a generation capacity of 350 MW and a battery energy storage system. Aratina will produce enough clean, reliable electricity to power over 180,000 homes, day or night.

Recent Updates

The first phase of the Aratina Solar Center is now operating, with construction continuing on the rest of the project. Safety remains our priority throughout all phases of construction. All work is being conducted in accordance with project permits and local regulations, and Avantus is taking care to minimize potential impacts such as noise, dust, or traffic. 

Boron Community Partnership

Avantus established the Boron Community Partnership Panel as a forum for open communication throughout construction and operations. This community-led initiative brings together a diverse group of local leaders, organizations, and residents representing Boron’s civic, cultural, educational, and youth perspectives. Through the partnership panel, community members help shape annual community investment priorities, sustainability initiatives, and other opportunities for local benefit.

The panel includes representatives from: 

• Twenty Mule Team Museum

• Boron Little League

• Boron Football

• Boron Queens

• Mama Bear Alliance

• Boron Chamber

• Boron Honorary Mayor

• Kern County Library, Boron Branch

For more information about our community partnerships, visit our Local Benefits page. 

Safety

We understand the vital importance of protecting local air quality for workers and nearby residents. Steps are being taken to minimize dust throughout construction, including:

• A “light on the land” approach that minimizes grading and exposed areas wherever possible

• Dedicated personnel onsite dedicated to monitor and manage dust, and mandatory worker training and education

• Limiting vehicle speed to 15 mph or less on unpaved roadways, and stopping work on extreme windy days to prevent excess dust from being generated

• Applying mulch to exposed areas and using palliative treatments that bind the soil to keep it in place

• Consistently applying water to construction areas and unpaved roadways, including on weekends

• Utilizing wind breaks, including fencing and barriers

• Revegetating and seeding land after construction. Vegetation has already begun to return to areas, helping stabilize the soil and reduce airborne dust.

For more information on project safety and environmental impacts, visit our FAQs page.

Project Snapshot