20 February 2013
First Solar today announced that the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One project has achieved a peak generating capacity of 100MW connected to the electrical grid.
The project, which is under construction in northern Los Angeles County, is currently California’s largest operating photovoltaic power plant and will have a generating capacity of 230MW upon completion, expected later this year.
Initial construction on the solar project began in September 2011 and module installation started in June 2012, providing an average of 400 jobs during the construction phase.
Power from the plant is being purchased by Pacific Gas and Electric Company under a 25-year contract.
When fully operational, the facility will generate enough power for 75,000 average California homes and will displace about 140,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
