Southern Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based energy firm Southern Company, has acquired a controlling interest in the 300MW Desert Stateline facility from First Solar, a US-based photovoltaic manufacturer.
Located on 1,685 acres of federally managed public land in San Bernardino County, the facility comprises of approximately 3.2 million of First Solar’s thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules mounted on fixed-tilt tables.
The plant is expected to have the capacity to help meet the energy needs of nearly 100,000 average homes.
Under a 20-year power purchase contract, the electricity and renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the plant will be sold to Southern California Edison Company.
Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said: "The acquisition of our system’s largest solar facility builds on our proven reputation as a national renewable energy leader.
"By continuing to leverage Southern Company’s and First Solar’s complementary strengths, we are accelerating the development of solar as an important component of a diverse fuel mix now and in the future."
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By GlobalDataFirst Solar CEO Jim Hughes said: "Desert Stateline is an exciting addition to the series of projects on which we’ve partnered with Southern Power. Our strategic relationship capitalizes on each company’s core competencies, as well as the synergies obtainable though informed, enlightened collaboration."
With construction having commenced in October 2014, Desert Stateline Facility is expected to become fully operational in the third quarter 2016.
It will be operated and maintained by First Solar on completion.
The Desert Stateline project is the fourth shared acquisition of the two companies.
