Valley Center battery backlash

Residents are pushing back against another proposal for a solar farm and battery storage facility; if approved, the project would be the third in Valley Center

Dozens of residents in Valley Center listen to Glynn Hoekstra, right, speak against another proposal for a solar farm and battery storage facility along Valley Center Road during Monday’s Valley Center Community Planning Group meeting. Steve Puterski photo

VALLEY CENTER — Siblings are proposing a potential solar farm and battery energy storage system have hit a wall of controversy as concerns swirl over the proposal.

Dozens of residents packed the Valley Center Community Hall on Monday to express concerns and objections over the proposal to the Valley Center Community Planning Group, an advisory board to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. However, the item was less than 20 minutes as Chairwoman Delores Harmes said it was an informational topic, and the owners haven’t decided on a plan.

Harmes said the initial proposal is on two parcels with 65.4 acres for solar panels 15 feet high and more than 13 acres battery storage. The solar panels would generate about 10 megawatts of electricity, while the batteries would store 40MW of power. However, she said it’s too early to determine if the proposal will go anywhere as the situation is fluid and in its early stages.

Brother and sister Robina and Tania Tuluie filed a permit application with San Diego County several months ago as the project would be on their land, which covers roughly 140 acres, according to the Valley Center Roadrunner. The proposed site is on Valley Center Road between Round Tree and Rock Hill Ranch roads.