New solar energy system breaks ground in California

First Solar begins construction of new solar energy system

First Solar, a leading solar energy company, has begun construction on a new solar energy system that is taking root in Imperial Valley, California. The system is called AC Solar Gen 2 and is meant to boast of a total capacity of 150 megawatts. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy during its construction period. At the height of its construction, the project will employ more than 800 people and, once completed, will generate more than $150,000 in property tax revenue each year.

System expected to have positive impact on local environment

San Diego Gas & Electric has entered into a power purchase agreement with First Solar. Through the agreement, the utility will purchase the electricity generated by the AC Solar Gen 2 system for the next 25 years. The solar energy system is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 60,000 average homes in California, displacing some 115,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. The solar energy system is also expected to save more than 93,000 metric tons of water each year, thus alleviate some strain on the state’s water supply.

First Solar continues to find success in the solar sector

This is not the first utility-scale solar energy project that First Solar has developed. The company is widely considered to be the top utility-scale solar developer in the world in terms of the capacity of its projects. The company also produces a wide range of photovoltaic modules that are used by others for their solar energy projects and is considered a top manufacturer in this regard. One of the company’s 139 megawatt solar energy projects is scheduled for completion in October of this year and is located in El Centro, California.

New solar energy system expected to be active in 2014

First Solar’s solar energy system in Imperial Valley, California, is expected to begin producing electricity in July of 2014. The energy system will be part of California’s overarching efforts to increase its use of renewable power. The state is already considered a leader in terms of solar energy, but it has been growing more accommodating of wind energy and hydrogen fuel as well. California is currently working to reduce emissions and mitigate the potential impact of climate change.