Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

First Solar undertakes 20 MW Maryland Solar project

Thin film photovoltaics manufacturer, First Solar has announced a 100 percent stake in the 20 megawatt (MW) Maryland Solar project.

The 20 MW photovoltaic plant will be located in Hagerstown.

Flickr/brewbooks

Located in Maryland’s Hagerstown, the U.S., construction on the plant is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012, and be completed by the fourth quarter. The U.S. manufacturer will kit the plant out with its thin film photovoltaic modules, while both the electricity generated and the associated renewable energy credits will go to FirstEnergy Solutions.

A spokesperson for First Solar additionally tells pv magazine that all discretionary permits have been obtained. They would not disclose the purchase price, and said that it "remains to be seen" if the company will perform EPC services.

Overall, the plant is expected to generate enough energy to supply 2,700 average Maryland homes. Frank De Rosa, First Solar senior vice president for business development – the Americas commented, "We are excited about moving forward on this project, which is expected to provide 125 construction jobs."