NV Energy to buy 100MW power from Nevada solar project

NV Energy has signed a power purchase agreement with SunPower for the Boulder Solar project to be built in Eldorado Valley of Boulder City in Nevada.

The construction work at the 100MW solar plant is expected to begin before the end of this year by SunPower, with operations is expected to start in 2016.

Upon the commencement of operations, the project is expected to generate enough energy to power 15,000 homes.

As per the deal, SunPower will design and build an Oasis Power Plant at the site.

According to SunPower, Oasis is a fully integrated, modular solar power block solution that is designed for utility-scale solar projects.

Oasis power plant claimed to optimise land use and can be installed faster at cheaper cost.
Once fully operational, the plant is estimated in reduce 192,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year in Nevada over the next 20 years.

KOMIPO America was originally developing the Boulder Solar project, before SunPower acquired it.

However, from KOMIPO will participate in the construction and operation of the project.

SunPower CEO Tom Werner said: "Today, power generated from solar plants is cost-competitive with power from traditional, fossil fuel burning plants – and becoming more cost-competitive every day.

"Increasingly, utilities are adding solar to their energy mix to ensure their customers are taking advantage of the reliable and emission-free power of the sun. We are pleased to partner again with NV Energy to enable more Nevada homes and businesses to take advantage of the state’s abundant solar resource."

Following completion, the project could be sold to 8point3 Energy Partners, an YieldCo joint venture between SunPower and First Solar.