Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power today announced the acquisition of the 150MW Solar Gen 2 solar facility in California from First Solar, Inc. Solar Gen 2 is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 60,000 average California homes.
"Our strategic renewable development has earned Southern Company a reputation as a national leader in solar," said Southern Company Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas A. Fanning. "Expanding our partnership with First Solar - a global renewable leader - will help us continue to develop a more diverse energy mix for America."
The Solar Gen 2 project spans three sites - each of which is approximately a 50MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system - comprising a combined 1,451 acres of land in Imperial County, California. The project will consist of more than one million thin-film PV solar modules mounted on single-axis tracking tables manufactured by First Solar.
"We value the strong, successful track record we have with Southern Power," said First Solar Chief Executive Officer Jim Hughes. "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 100 percent of the project, with First Solar agreeing to acquire a minority interest subject to certain terms and upon fulfillment of certain conditions. Electricity generated by the plant is contracted to serve a 25-year power purchase agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E).