News Article
First Solar To Build 26 MW PV Solar Project For NRG
First Solar is to construct NRG Energy's 26 MW (AC) Avra Valley solar project near Tucson, Arizona.
Electricity from the Avra Valley solar project will be sold to Tucson Electric Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The project will utilise First Solar's advanced CdTe thin-film photovoltaic technology, mounted on the company's single-axis tracker system. This rotates the solar modules to follow the sun throughout the day. The tracker system extends the peak energy production period, providing more electricity in the afternoon, when energy demand is greatest.
"NRG and First Solar have built a very strong working relationship, starting with our first 21 MW project in Blythe, California, to our most recently completed 20 megawatt Roadrunner solar generating station in New Mexico," comments James Kelly, Director of Development for NRG Solar. "We look forward to working with First Solar on the Avra Valley project that, when completed, will help Arizona meet its renewable energy goals."
Construction on the project, which is expected to begin this month, will create an estimated 200 jobs. First Solar expects to complete Avra Valley by the end of 2012.
"We are proud to once again work with NRG as they add to their renewable energy portfolio and create clean energy for Arizona," adds Jim Lamon, First Solar Senior Vice President for EPC and Operation and Maintenance. "We're excited to construct this utility-scale project using our proprietary tracker system, which maximises the energy output of a solar facility."
