Oveja Ranch Solar Project
Overview
To help maintain grid reliability and provide our community with carbon-free energy, we’re proposing to construct and operate a photovoltaic (PV) solar power and battery storage facility in southern Sacramento County that would provide 75 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy that aligns with our 2030 Zero Carbon Plan and enhances grid resiliency.
The proposed project would support the growing demand for electricity from growth and development in southeastern Sacramento County and surrounding areas.
It would also add to our diverse clean energy portfolio, improve local air quality and deliver a reliable, long-term supply of economically viable solar energy and battery storage that provides grid resiliency, while continuing existing agricultural activities.
Project benefits include:
- Construction expected to support 230 jobs and contribute $38 million to the Sacramento County local economy.
- Once operational, Oveja Ranch is expected to contribute $3.8 million to the Sacramento County local economy and $11.7 million statewide each year.
- Additional statewide benefits include 580 jobs and $123 million to the state economy during construction.
Activities and location of work
The proposed site would be developed on up to 400 acres of land in southeastern Sacramento County, south of the City of Rancho Cordova and north of Wilton. In addition to a PV solar power and battery storage facility, the project would include a generation substation and interconnection lines to our grid. At the end of the project’s life (anticipated to be 30-35 years), the site would be decommissioned.
Timeline
Construction would start as early as Q3 of 2026 and commercial operation is targeted for 2028.
We’re committed to keeping the community informed about this project and will update this page with schedule information, construction impacts and progress updates.
What are the environmental considerations?
We’ve prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code [PRC] Section 21000 et seq.) and serve as the lead agency for CEQA compliance. The EIR discloses environmental impacts, identifies mitigation measures for reducing or avoiding impacts and provides project alternatives which reduce or avoid environmental impacts.
Document availability: The EIR is available below or at smud.org/CEQA. Printed copies may be viewed during normal business hours at these locations:
SMUD
Customer Service Center
6301 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
SMUD
East Campus Operations Center
4401 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Public review/comment period
A 45-day public review period for the EIR begins on March 17 through May 2. Email written comments to OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org or:
Kim Crawford
SMUD Environmental Services
P.O. Box 15830 MS B209
Sacramento, CA 95852-1830
Public meeting
Join us to learn more and provide comments on the proposed project and the EIR:
Thursday, April 10
Sheldon High School Library
8333 Kingsbridge Dr., Sacramento CA 95829
The public meeting is an opportunity for interested parties to provide input on the project, no decisions will be made. Formal comments must be submitted in writing at the public meeting or my emailing OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org by 5 p.m. on May 2.
Documents
- Notice of Preparation
- Oveja Ranch Solar Project fact sheet
- Notice of Availability
- Draft Environmental Impact Report
- Appendix Intro: Final NOP and Comment Letters
- Appendix AQ: Detailed Calculation Inputs, Assumptions and Outputs
- Appendix BR-1: Aquatic Resources Delineation Report
- Appendix BR-2: Bio Survey Report
- Appendix BR-3: Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment and Wintering Owl Surveys
- Appendix CR-1: Cultural Report
- Appendix CR-2: Built Environment
- Appendix HY-1: Water Supply Assessment
- Appendix HY-2: Preliminary Drainage Report
Questions?
If you have questions please email OvejaRanchSolar@smud.org.