Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

US: AVSR1 PV project reaches 100 MW peak generating capacity

First Solar Inc. has completed and grid connected the first 100 MW of the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One (AVSR1) photovoltaic project in northern Los Angeles County. The whole 230 MW are expected to be online later this year.

The full 230 MW are scheduled to be online later this year.

Business Wire

The U.S. thin film manufacturer began installing the first modules at the site last June, after overcoming several hurdles throughout the permitting and financing process. Initial construction work began in 2011, however.

Overall, the AVSR1 is scheduled to be completed this year, with the generated energy being sold to Pacific Gas and Electric Company under a 25 year PPA. The 230 MW are expected to produce enough for around 75,000 households.

Commenting, Lou Moore, First Solar senior VP of engineering, procurement and construction said, "Unlike traditional power plants, the modular nature of PV power projects enables us to quickly add substantial volumes of clean energy to the grid throughout the construction process. This shorter ‘time to energy' is another key advantage of PV solar electricity."