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Six Flags Magic Mountain Leads the Charge with California's Largest Solar Energy Project

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In a major stride towards a sustainable future, Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative that not only elevates its status as a premier entertainment destination but also solidifies its commitment to environmental stewardship. Breaking ground on California's largest single-site commercial solar energy project, Six Flags continues to advance their ESG-related initiatives, as well as significant contributions to both the economy and the environment. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a framework used to evaluate an organization's business practices and performance on various sustainability and ethical issues. Magic Mountain will be the third solar installation for Six Flags, following Discovery Kingdom in Northern California and Great Adventure in New Jersey. These three sites will rank as the largest volume of onsite Solar PV systems for any U.S. organization.

 

Six Flags California Solar Project Rendering 01

 Key Components of the Solar Installation:

  1. Massive Solar Carport: Spanning an impressive 637,000 square feet, the solar carport serves as the cornerstone of the project, ingeniously built over the main guest parking lot and team member parking lot. This innovative design not only maximizes space utilization but also underscores the park's dedication to sustainable infrastructure.
  2. 100% Energy Offset: With a capacity to generate 12.37 megawatts of power, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor will become entirely self-sufficient in terms of energy consumption, relying solely on solar power. This achievement not only reduces the park's carbon footprint but also sets a remarkable precedent for energy independence in the entertainment industry.
  3. Ample Parking and EV Charging: The solar installation caters to the needs of both guests and team members, offering an estimated 3,544 guest parking spaces and 771 team member parking spaces. Additionally, approximately 30 electric vehicle charging spaces in the guest parking lot further promote the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions.
  4. Enhanced Shade Coverage and Security: Beyond its energy-generating capabilities, the solar carport provides much-needed shade coverage, ensuring the comfort of guests and team members alike. Moreover, the installation includes increased security systems and protection measures, fostering a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
  5. Cutting-Edge Battery Storage: Complementing the solar infrastructure is a sophisticated battery storage system capable of producing approximately 2 megawatts of power with up to 8-megawatt hours of capacity that can be deployed daily. This storage capacity enhances grid stability and reliability, further optimizing the park's energy utilization.

Economic and Environmental Impact: 

The economic and environmental significance of Six Flags Magic Mountain's solar energy project cannot be overstated. By producing 20.8 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, the park not only meets its own energy needs but also makes substantial contributions to the broader community. By offsetting 100% of their energy use with clean energy, this project can help maintain the stability of our local electric grid. 

 

In terms of environmental impact, the project is a marvel. The solar installation offsets greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 34,194 barrels of oil consumed, 5,110 tons of waste recycled rather than landfilled, and the preservation of 17,612 acres of U.S. forests annually. Furthermore, it reduces carbon dioxide equivalents comparable to taking 3,182 cars off the road, avoiding 37.8 million miles driven by gasoline-powered automobiles, and saving 1.6 million gallons of gasoline consumed each year. 

 

Looking towards the future, the long-term sustainability of the project is evident. Over a 25-year period, the solar installation is projected to produce a staggering 517.89 million kilowatt hours of energy, offsetting greenhouse gas energy consumption equivalent to 911 million miles driven by gasoline-powered automobiles and contributing to carbon sequestration equivalent to planting 434.3 thousand acres of trees. 

 

In conclusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain's renewable energy endeavors represent a paradigm shift in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that economic prosperity and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. As the park paves the way for a greener tomorrow, it serves as an inspiration for businesses and communities worldwide, proving that sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity in shaping a brighter future for generations to come. 

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Six Flags Magic Mountain is partnering with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables (DSD) for this 12.37-megawatt solar carport and energy storage system and broke ground on the project in November 2023.

About Solar Optimum
Solar Optimum is a Los Angeles-based solar, battery storage and roofing company that provides
homeowners and businesses in California, Nevada, and Arizona with progressive, premium energy
solutions – with unmatched value. Since 2008, Solar Optimum has been on a mission to educate and
inspire its customers to become 100% energy independent, and with over 300 MW installed, thousands of
customers have now reached that goal.


Solar Optimum’s premier certifications, top-of-the-line products and warranties, and award-winning
customer service have earned Solar Optimum the position as the #1 ranked California EPC for Solar and
Battery Storage and #2 ranked National EPC for Solar and Storage (in the Residential and Commercial
category) according to Solar Power World International. To learn more, visit www.SolarOptimum.com and
connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.


About DSD Renewables
DSD Renewables (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy while building a
more sustainable future. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing,
project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD accelerates the deployment of renewable energy
resources and creates significant value for our commercial, industrial, and municipal customers and
partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity,
rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own, and maintain. To learn more,
visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

 

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is a unique private / public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources.

Economic Development, Santa Clarita Valley Quality of Life, New Development

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