News

15 March 2010

 

First Solar sells 30MW New Mexico PV project to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy

First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which makes thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), has sold a 30MW (AC) solar power project to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Cimarron I Solar Project is adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico. First Solar developed the project and is providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. It will also provide operation and maintenance services under a 25-year contract. Using about 500,000 photovoltaic modules, the facility will supply power to about 9000 homes (or 18,000 residents) and displace more than 45,000 tons of CO2 per year.

“The Cimarron I project is yet another example of First Solar’s capability to realize utility-scale solar projects,” says CEO Rob Gillette. “Combining the required technology, manufacturing, project development and EPC expertise enables First Solar to be a leader in sustainable energy development,” he claims.

Construction of the project will begin in March, with completion and commercial operation expected by the end of 2010. The project will create over 200 jobs at the peak of construction.

First Solar says that electricity generated by the plant will serve a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a not-for-profit wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives serving 1.4 million customers across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

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