Southern Power closes on second California solar plant

Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power has acquired a 20 MW alternating current (AC) solar plant in Kern County, California, US, in partnership with Turner Renewable Energy.

Owned by Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy, Adobe Solar Facility is composed of 80,000 SunEdison Silvantis Solar PV (photovoltaic) modules.

The agreement for the acquisition of the facility has been closed following successful completion of construction.

Scheduled to commence commercial operation in May 2014, the facility represents the partnership’s second solar installation in California.

Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas Fanning said, "The acquisition of the Adobe Solar Facility – our second solar installation in California – builds on our development of the full portfolio of energy resources for the benefit of customers."

SunEdison will provide asset management and 24/7 monitoring and maintenance services through its Renewable Operations Center for the Adobe Solar Facility.

The plant is expected to generate electricity which will serve a 20-year power purchase agreement with Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of Edison International.

Southern Power president and CEO Oscar Harper said Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy partnership have developed more than 220 MW of solar generation since 2010 in US.

"We’re pleased to once again partner with SunEdison through the acquisition of the Adobe Solar Facility – adding another 20 MW of solar resources and further strengthening our growing renewable energy portfolio," Harper added.