First Solar to install solar modules at 230MW plant

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and First Solar have reached an agreement to install solar modules at the 230MW Solar Ranch One photovoltaic (PV) power plant in California, US.

The $1.36bnSolar Ranch One project is located in the Antelope Valley and is expected to produce enough electricity to address the power needs of 75,000 households.

Construction work on which initially began in August 2011, was delayed as the company required approval related to the module code certifications.

Following the agreement, First Solar will resume construction work of the solar farm that is partially funded by a $646m loan from the US Energy Department.

Los Angeles County Public Works deputy director Dennis Hunter said the department ensured that all applicable building codes were met by the project in order to protect the health and safety of county residents.

"Following our discussions, we are now confident in First Solar’s ability to meet our health and safety requirements," Hunter said.

First Solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction and Operations and Maintenance senior vice president Jim Lamon said as the first utility-scale solar PV project in Los Angeles County, this was the county’s first opportunity to apply its codes to a facility of this magnitude, which required significant time and effort for everyone involved

"After a very collaborative process, we are confident we have the county’s support to keep the project moving to completion, and that this process has paved the way for future projects in the region, which has great potential for solar energy production," Lamon said.

The construction of the solar plant is expected to be completed in 2013.

First Solar initially promoted the solar plant, which was sold to Exelon Corporation in September 2011.