World’s First Steel-Free Solar System Achieves Commercial Operation
The Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant in Fresno, California, has officially commissioned the world’s first Erthos Earth Mount Solar system, marking a significant breakthrough in solar deployment technology. Developed by renewable energy developer ForeFront Power, the system employs Erthos’ proprietary technology, which installs solar modules directly on the ground without traditional steel support structures. This approach not only reduces installation costs but also enhances power generation efficiency per unit area. The system achieved commercial operation in late March 2026 and has been operating stably for nearly five months.
Fresno’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) entered into a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power, under which ForeFront Power is responsible for system construction and maintenance, supplying electricity to the city at a fixed rate. The agreement ensures the city purchases power at a rate lower than local utility prices, with projected savings exceeding $122 million by 2045. This project not only reduces the city’s operational costs but also sets a new benchmark for local renewable energy development.
27 MW Solar and Storage System Deployed Across Three Key Sites
The project spans three critical infrastructure sites in Fresno: the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, and the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, with a combined capacity of 27 MW-DC. Erinne Davis, Senior Project Manager at ForeFront Power, stated that inflation and supply chain disruptions in 2023 led to significant increases in steel and labor costs for traditional ground-mounted solar systems, compelling the company to seek more cost-effective alternatives. After evaluation, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant site was deemed suitable for Erthos technology, which eliminated the need for extensive civil engineering and steel support structures, effectively reducing overall installation costs.
Davis further noted that the project might have faced budget constraints under traditional deployment methods. The adoption of Erthos technology not only addressed cost challenges but also enhanced project feasibility. Additionally, the system integrates smart battery storage, which provides stable power during peak demand periods, further improving energy efficiency.