Energy services provider MidAmerican Solar of Phoenix, AZ (a subsidiary of MidAmerican Renewables LLC) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic module maker First Solar Inc of Tempe, AZ, USA say that the five millionth solar module has been installed at Topaz Solar Farms in San Luis Obispo County, CA (one of the largest solar projects under construction in the world). When complete, the 550MWAC project will include more than 8 million photovoltaic modules. The first solar module was installed on 16 May 2012.
"A project of this magnitude requires extraordinary teamwork – from local communities and government and environmental leaders to contractors and suppliers – to ensure it is successful in safely and reliably delivering renewable energy to California," comments MidAmerican Solar's president Paul Caudill.
The Topaz project is owned by MidAmerican Solar and is being constructed by First Solar, which will also provide operations & maintenance services. Construction began in late 2011 and is expected to be complete by early 2015.
"It's the first time First Solar has installed that many modules at a single solar site," notes First Solar's chief operating officer Georges Antoun.
During its three-year construction period, the Topaz project will create an average of about 400 construction jobs. According to an economic benefits study by The Brattle Group and California Polytechnic State University, Topaz is estimated to infuse $417m into the local economy, the majority of which will be generated during construction.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company will purchase the electricity from the Topaz project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, helping California to meet its mandate to generate 33% of its power from renewable sources by 2020.
