First Solar opens utility-scale power plant

2009 Dec 21

Solar module maker First Solar on Monday opened the largest photovoltaic solar power station in California, which the company plans to replicate in order to expand its utility business.

The plant in Blythe, Calif., which First Solar purchased from energy developer NRG, will have the capacity to generate 21 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power about 17,000 homes. It will supply electricity to Southern California Edison under a 20-year purchase power agreement.

It's one of a number of projects that First Solar is pursuing as it seeks to expand in the utility-scale solar business. A deal to build a 48-megawatt plant in California to supply Pacific Gas & Electric was approved last week. "The development, project finance and construction of this solar plant demonstrate First Solar's capabilities in utility scale projects," Bruce Sohn, president of First Solar, said in a statement.

First Solar's panels, which use thin film solar cells made from cadmium telluride, are considered the lowest cost solar panel in the industry. The company's relatively low cost and the technology's track record make it attractive to utilities that need to meet the California renewable energy mandate.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10419537-54.html

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24-MW Solar Power Plant in Italy Completed

2009 Dec 17

SunRay Renewable Energy and SunPower Corp. announced that the 24-megawatt (MW) Montalto di Castro solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, the largest in Italy, has been completed and is transmitting electricity to Italy's national electric grid. The two companies announced the completion of the system at an interactive conference on renewable sources, Re-Event, being held this week in Rome.

The plant, located in Italy's Viterbro province, Lazio, was connected to the grid on November 30, several weeks ahead of schedule. This project is the first phase of a planned 85-MW development that is expected to be fully operational in 2010.

Construction of the plant was completed in eight months and required more than 250 workers and the services of 10 skilled local companies employed for civil, mechanical and electrical services. SunRay and SunPower jointly managed the construction of the plant.

A dedicated 150-MW substation was designed and constructed by Terna SpA. A visitor center is also planned for the site and it is expected to will provide education on solar power and other renewable energy sources.

Read more: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/24-mw-solar-power-plant-in-italy-completed

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