Southern Power acquires 150MW solar plant in California

Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has acquired the 150MW Solar Gen 2 solar project from First Solar in California, US.

First Solar has begun the construction of the Solar Gen 2 facility in 2013, with plans to complete the project in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Upon completion, the solar plant is anticipated to produce enough electricity to power over 60,000 average homes in California.

The Solar Gen 2 project consists of three sites, each featuring approximately a 50MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

Spread over an area of over 1,451 acres in Imperial County, the facility will deploy over one million thin-film photovoltaic solar modules mounted on single-axis tracking tables developed by First Solar.

Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said: "Our strategic renewable development has earned Southern Company a reputation as a national leader in solar.

"Expanding our partnership with First Solar – a global renewable leader – will help us continue to develop a more diverse energy mix for America."

First Solar CEO Jim Hughes said: "We value the strong, successful track record we have with Southern Power.

"We’re pleased to continue that relationship with Solar Gen 2 and we look forward to further opportunities to work together."

Southern Power will initially own the entire project, with First Solar agreeing to acquire a minority interest subject to certain terms and upon fulfillment of certain conditions.

San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, will receive electricity from the project, under a 25-year power purchase agreement.