12 March 2012

First Solar to build 26MW Avra Valley PV project for NRG

Power generation firm NRG Energy Inc of Princeton, NJ, USA has contracted First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA - which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) as well as providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services - to construct its 26MW (AC) Avra Valley solar project near Tucson, AZ. Electricity from Avra Valley will be sold to Tucson Electric Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The project will use modules mounted on First Solar’s single-axis tracker systems, which rotate the modules to follow the sun throughout the day. The tracker system extends the peak energy production period, providing more electricity in the afternoon, when energy demand is greatest.

“NRG and First Solar have built a very strong working relationship, starting with our first 21MW project in Blythe, California, to our most recently completed 20MW Roadrunner solar generating station in New Mexico,” says James Kelly, director of development for subsidiary NRG Solar LLC. “We look forward to working with First Solar on the Avra Valley project that, when completed, will help Arizona meet its renewable energy goals.”

Project construction (which will create an estimated 200 jobs) is expected to begin in March and be completed by the end of 2012.

Tags: First Solar Thin-film photovoltaic CdTe

Visit: www.nrgenergy.com

Visit: www.firstsolar.com