12/24/2009 1:45:00 PM Largest solar power plant opens on Mesa
Photo courtesy of First Solar
Special to the Times
BLYTHE - First Solar, Inc. and NRG Energy, Inc. announced the start of commercial operation for the largest photovoltaic (PV) solar project in California, near Blythe.
First Solar developed and built the 21-megawatt (MW) power plant south of Mesa Verde, which was acquired last month by NRG through its wholly owned subsidiary NRG Solar. Electricity generated by the solar facility is being sold to Southern California Edison (SCE) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The Blythe-area plant is the largest thin film PV project in the United States and is five times the size of the next largest PV project in California. NRG estimates that at peak capacity, the project can supply the power needs of almost 17,000 homes while helping California meet its renewable energy goals.
Approximately 175 people built the power plant during its three-month construction and installation period.
"It is no surprise that America's largest thin film solar project was built right here in California, where my administration has successfully created a climate where green businesses can thrive," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "It is forward-thinking businesses such as First Solar that will help California reach its nation-leading greenhouse gas reduction and Renewable Portfolio Standard goals as well as create the new green jobs that will help spur our economic recovery."
"Solar is the great untapped resource in California and we are pleased to be part of this significant milestone for solar development in our state," said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president, Renewables and Alternative Power. "Bringing this power to the grid helps SCE maintain its position as the nation's leading utility for renewable energy."
"California, as it has in many arenas, is leading the way of encouraging large-scale clean energy sources," said David Crane, NRG Energy President and CEO. "NRG, through our association with pioneers like First Solar and forward-thinking companies like SCE, seeks to help clean our air while stocking our country's clean energy economic growth through commercial implementation of solar technology."
First Solar expanded its offerings in California in 2008. The Blythe plant is a model for First Solar's future large-scale solar developments.
"The development, project finance and construction of this solar plant demonstrate First Solar's capabilities in utility scale projects," said Bruce Sohn, president of First Solar. "With a three-month build out, we are pleased to be bringing it online ahead of schedule."
Using First Solar's industry-leading thin film PV panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity with no water consumption during operation, the Blythe-area plant will generate over 45,000 megawatt- hours of clean, affordable, sustainable electricity per year. This solar generation will avoid approximately 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually - the equivalent of taking over 2,200 cars off the road.
First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services at Blythe under a long-term contract with NRG.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Article comment by:
Tom
Per my prior email on Solar Power.
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009
Article comment by:
It's Too Bright
A good detail would be to where it is located? y/n Just wait untl the government puts taxes on the sunlight. nobamacare at it's finest.
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2009
Article comment by:
Heads Up!!!
Cant wait to see how they're gonna get all the dove and pigeon crap off of those thin plates ..ever see one of those things from the air?? Looks like a giant, freshly washed car to birds!! lol.. good luck with that.
Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009
Article comment by:
Steve Palermo
This made a little trip around the internet, it was even posted on Topix.com under energy. This summer it should relieve some of the load on the local grid during those hot days.
Posted: Friday, December 25, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Good example of what can be done when the ENVIRO wacko's stay out of the picture.
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