Solar Energy is the Future
NRG Energy, MidAmerican Solar and First Solar Celebrate 100 MW Milestone for 290 MW Agua Caliente Solar Project
PRINCETON, N.J. & DES MOINES, Iowa & TEMPE, Ariz., Apr 25, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Representatives from NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG, Trade ), MidAmerican Solar and First Solar, Inc. (FSLR, Trade ) gathered with federal and local officials today at the 290 megawatt (AC) Agua Caliente solar project in Yuma County, Ariz., to celebrate the project's first 100 megawatts (MW) being delivered to the grid, making it North America's largest photovoltaic (PV) power plant in operation.
Once completed in 2014, Agua Caliente will be one of the world's largest PV power plants, supplying enough clean, renewable solar energy to power more than 225,000 homes. The project's construction phase is creating an average of 400 jobs, with over 80% of the workforce coming from Arizona.
"Getting to this milestone of our first 100 megawatts at Agua Caliente illustrates the success of public-private partnerships to stimulate the construction of these large-scale solar projects, creating hundreds of construction jobs and providing clean, renewable power to thousands of homes," said Tom Doyle, president of NRG Solar. "Large-scale projects like this also help drive down the price of solar, which will make it even more cost-competitive with conventional electricity generation in the near future."
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com .
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