The groundbreaking ceremony has been held for one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the U.S. – the 8.22-megawatt Alamosa Photovoltaic Solar Plant in south central Colorado.
The solar plant, which is being built on 82 acres, is being financed, constructed and maintained by SunEdison. Xcel Energy will buy the solar power generated – the plant is scheduled for completion by early 2008. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory rates the San Luis Valley as having the best solar power conditions in Colorado. The plant will create enough clean energy to power nearly 1,500 homes a year, while creating 50 new solar jobs.
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In other news, jewelry retailer Tiffany dedicated its solar plant, one of the East Coast’s largest commercial solar projects. The 1.3 megawatt plant covers the roofs of its retail distribution centers in Whippany (680 kilowatts) and Parsippany (656 kilowatts).
The plant was designed, and will be operated by PowerLight, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR).
Comprised of 6,394 solar panels and covering 104,000 square feet, Tiffany’s solar arrays will supply 30% of Tiffany’s distribution centers’ peak electrical load. Additional lighting upgrades will help achieve an overall estimated annual project value of more than $500,000 in savings.