First Solar Inc of Tempe,AZ,USA,which manufactures thin-film photovoltaic(PV)modules based on cadmium telluride(CdTe)as well as providing engineering,procurement and construction(EPC)services,is to construct four solar power plants totaling 20 megawatts(MW)AC of generating capacity for PNM Resources Inc.First Solar will provide engineering,procurement and construction services,using its thin-film photovoltaic(PV)modules.The plants could be in service by the end of 2013,although the schedule is dependent on project approval by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission,whose decision is expected in Q4/2012.PNM has the option to expand the agreement to a total of 22 MWAC.
The four solar plants will generate enough clean energy to power up to 7,000 average New Mexico homes,displacing about 31,000 metric tons of CO2 annually(the equivalent of taking some 6,000 cars off the road).
"First Solar is very pleased to be working again with a leader in renewable energy like PNM,"said Jim Tyler,First Solar vice president of Engineering,Procurement and Construction."Our advanced technology and unparalleled experience designing and building solar power plants will help ensure PNM's customers enjoy many years of clean,reliable solar electricity."
The new solar projects are in addition to five projects totaling 22 MW that First Solar completed for PNM in 2011.
