First Solar to construct 139MW solar project in US

First Solar has announced plans to develop a139MW solar power project called the Campo Verde Solar Project which is located near El Centro in Imperial County, California.

The 139MW Campo Verde Solar Project is expected to produce sufficient electricity to light up around 50,000 average California homes.

The project is also estimated to displace 80,000 metric tons of Carbon dioxide every year or the taking off 15,000 cars from the road and result in 250 construction jobs.

San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), under a 20 year power purchase agreement, will buy the power produced from the plant. The agreement was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.

First Solar North America Project Development vice president Brian Kunz said, "First Solar is very pleased to be working with SDG&E for the first time to deliver clean, renewable energy and create hundreds of construction jobs in Imperial County."

The company will use thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules for the construction of the project to generate clean energy and prevent emissions, waste or water consumption during the operation.

First Solar is expected to start construction of the Campo Verde project in the third quarter of 2012 and be complete it in 2013.

The Campo Verde project is co-owned by First Solar and US Solar Holdings, but First Solar is completing the 100% acquisition of the project.

US based First Solar is a provider of comprehensive PV solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules.