San Diego County supervisors unanimously approved a major use permit Wednesday for Starlight Solar, a 588-acre solar and battery storage project planned in Boulevard, according to KPBS.
The project includes solar panels and an 868 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system. KPBS reported that dozens of Boulevard residents traveled to the county land use meeting to oppose the project, raising concerns about battery fire risk, groundwater and the effect of industrial development on the rural community.
Supervisors approved the permit with amendments, including baseline groundwater monitoring and testing and a requirement for the developer to pursue a state green tariff program intended to provide additional benefits to disadvantaged communities before construction.
County officials are also developing a Battery Energy Storage Systems zoning ordinance amendment that could affect projects such as Starlight Solar, according to KPBS.
KPBS reported that the project consultant said Phase I could break ground in about a year. A Boulevard residents organization told KPBS it plans to file a lawsuit seeking to stop the project. Source: KPBS, https://www.kpbs.org/news/environment/2026/09/17/san-diego-county-supervisors-approve-controversial-solar-and-battery-storage-project-in-boulevard