First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) said today that it has begun work on a rooftop solar installation that marks the beginning of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) ambitious plan to develop 250-megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar power over the next five years.
First Solar was selected by SCE to engineer and supply the 2-MW PV power plant system on the roof of a commercial building in Fontana, CA.
Installation of the project began on July 14, 2008, and is expected to be connected to the grid in September 2008.
In addition, on July 10, 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved project terms of a 20-year power purchase agreement between First Solar and SCE for the sale of electricity generated by a separate PV power plant. First Solar plans to build the new plant in Blythe, CA. This plant will be a minimum of 7.5 MW, with an option by First Solar to increase the size to 21 MW, and when completed will be the largest ground based PV power plant in California.
Subject to the satisfaction of remaining contingencies, including the extension of the federal solar investment tax credit, First Solar expects to begin construction of the PV power plant in 2009.
"We are pleased to be working with First Solar on these important renewable energy projects," said SCE President John R. Fielder. "Their successful bid to supply the first system for our major utility solar project is helping SCE provide solar PV generation to our customers at a lower cost than traditional PV installations."
At the end of 2007, over 300 MW of First Solar PV modules had been installed worldwide, with an additional 400 MW scheduled for installation in 2008. With its project partners, First Solar has supplied several of the largest ground and rooftop PV power plants in the world.
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar, Inc. manufactures solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor process and provides comprehensive system solutions that significantly reduce solar electricity costs. By enabling clean renewable electricity at affordable prices, First Solar provides an economic alternative to peak conventional electricity and the related fossil fuel dependence, greenhouse gas emissions and peak time grid constraints. First Solar has set the benchmark for environmentally responsible product life cycle management by introducing the industry’s first comprehensive collection and recycling program for solar modules. From raw material sourcing through end of life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating cost-effective renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is the largest electric utility in California, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.8 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.
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