First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA, which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic modules based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), has started constructing the 139 megawatt Campo Verde Solar Project, located near El Centro in Imperial County, CA, USA. Construction of the solar power plant, which is expected to be completed in 2013, will create approximately 250 construction jobs, as well as over $230m in new economic activity to the Imperial Valley.
First Solar will construct the project using its advanced thin film PV modules that generate clean, renewable energy with no emissions, waste or water consumption during operation. The project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 average California homes, displacing 80,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
"First Solar's project brings much needed jobs and economic development to the Valley at a time when it is sorely needed. The project also pays added tax revenue, funds for agricultural benefits and community benefits while helping the County diversify its economy. We've been working to attract projects like this for the past five or six years and are glad to see it's finally happening,” said Ray Castillo, County Board president.
