Dec 22 2009
First Solar and NRG Energy announced that the largest solar photovoltaic project in California has started commercial operations. The 21-MW solar power plant was developed and built by First Solar in Blythe, California. The facility was acquired by the NRG Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy. Southern California Edison (SCE) will buy the electricity generated by the solar power plant under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The Blythe plant is located in Riverside County, which is about 200 miles east of Los Angeles. The facility is nearly fives times of the next largest photovoltaic project in California and is the largest thin film photovoltaic project in the U.S. The facility at its peak capacity will be capable of supplying enough electricity to power about 17,000 homes. During construction and installation of this project, which took three months, approximately 175 people were employed for the purpose.
California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, said that California has always provided the right atmosphere for the green businesses and thus it was not a surprise that the largest thin film project was built in California. He further commented that companies such as First Solar play a vital role for California to achieve its Renewable Portfolio Standard and greenhouse gas reduction goals while creating new green jobs that will help for faster economic recovery.
Marc Ulrich, SCE Vice President, Renewables and Alternative Power, said that solar energy is an unexploited resource in California and the company is delighted to be part of this operation for solar development of California. He further stated that SCE is the leading utility for renewable energy in the nation and by connecting the power generated from this facility to the grid helps the company to maintain its lead.
Source: www.firstsolar.com