As the sun continues to shine on California’s renewable energy ambitions, a new wave of large-scale solar projects is underway in 2025. With billions in investments and thousands of acres under development, these projects are set to redefine the state’s energy landscape and open new frontiers for AEC professionals eager to ride the green infrastructure wave.
Here’s a closer look at the standout projects and the professional opportunities they present.
The Projects Powering the Future
1. Bellefield 2 Solar & Energy Storage Project – Kern County
- Capacity: 500 MW solar + 500 MW/2,000 MWh battery storage
- Developer: Intersect Power
- Location: Near the city of Delano in the Westlands CREZ zone
- Notable: One of the largest planned solar + storage hybrids in the Western U.S.
With its sheer size and integration complexity, Bellefield 2 is a magnet for civil engineers, electrical planners, and grid interconnection specialists. The scope includes multi-phase construction sequencing, utility-scale transmission planning, and robust quality control systems—all areas where AEC firms can deliver mission-critical value.
2. Lycan Solar Project – San Bernardino County
- Capacity: 350 MW solar with future battery storage capabilities
- Developer: Avantus (formerly 8 minute Solar Energy)
- Location: Mojave Desert region, adjacent to existing solar farms
- Environmental Approval: Fast-tracked via CEQA streamlining
Site grading and erosion control in desert conditions will require precision civil design. Environmental engineers, land-use planners, and stormwater experts will be in high demand. With an eye toward workforce diversity, Avantus has also committed to inclusive hiring practices—offering workforce development teams a major platform to collaborate.
3. Kingsley Solar Farm – Kings County
- Capacity: 320 MW solar + optional 160 MW battery storage
- Developer: EDF Renewables North America
- Notable: Located in California’s Central Valley on underutilized farmland
The Kingsley project brings a strong need for agricultural land re-use planning, civil site engineering, and PV system layout optimization. Engineers will be needed to address water runoff and compacted soil, while designers will shape how energy infrastructure coexists with former ag operations.
4. Juniper Creek Battery Storage – Riverside County
- Capacity: 400 MW / 1,600 MWh
- Developer: Terra-Gen
- Notable: Standalone grid-scale battery facility supporting multiple solar generators in the region
This project opens the door for electrical engineers, MEP contractors, and thermal safety experts to pioneer the next generation of battery storage systems. With lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in play, construction firms familiar with high-capacity enclosures, HVAC integration, and fire suppression systems will be key contributors.
Key Benefits and Opportunities for AEC Professionals
1. Sustained Workstream Across Disciplines
From surveying and permitting to electrical system design and civil infrastructure, each of these projects requires multi-year engagement across a variety of professional roles. Firms specializing in:
- Civil site development
- Utility-scale solar design
- Energy storage systems
- Environmental impact studies
…will find fertile ground for contracts and partnerships.
2. Climate-Resilient Design Innovation
With California’s extreme heat and drought conditions, AEC professionals have the chance to innovate in climate-resilient design, from cooling PV panel installations to dust control through smart landscaping. These elements not only serve sustainability goals but also create distinctive project portfolios.
3. New Roles in Agrivoltaics and Dual-Use Land Planning
Projects like Cornucopia are pioneering agrivoltaic integration, creating roles for architects, planners, and engineers to rethink traditional land use. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between agricultural scientists and site engineers is likely to increase.
4. Government Support Means Faster Approvals
Recent legislation and executive orders (such as CEQA fast-tracking for renewable projects) reduce bureaucratic delays, offering AEC firms a faster route from design to build, and a more predictable cash flow cycle.
How Certis Solutions Can Help Power California’s Solar Future
As California accelerates its commitment to clean energy infrastructure, the need for specialized AEC talent grows more urgent with every project approval. That’s where Certis Solutions steps in.
With deep expertise in staffing for architecture, engineering, and construction, Certis Solutions helps project owners, EPC firms, and developers source, vet, and deploy top-tier professionals who are ready to take on the unique challenges of utility-scale solar and storage projects.
What Certis Offers:
- ? Targeted Talent Matching
From civil engineers and electrical designers to project schedulers and QA/QC inspectors, Certis taps into a curated talent pool of solar-savvy professionals.
- ? Rapid Deployment for Fast-Tracked Projects
With California expediting environmental approvals, timelines are tighter than ever. Certis ensures agile staffing solutions that keep your projects on schedule and on budget.
- ?️ Full Lifecycle Support
Whether you need design-phase consultants or site-based construction crews, Certis provides staffing across every phase of the project lifecycle.
- ? Alignment with Sustainability Goals
Certis works with candidates and partners who are not only technically qualified, but also committed to advancing clean energy and environmental stewardship.
As projects like Bellefield 2 and Lycan gear up, having the right people in place will determine success. Certis Solutions is your strategic staffing partner for the solar transformation ahead, contact us today.
