Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

US: CPUC approves PG&E’s 150 MW PPA

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved Pacific Gas & Electric’s 20-year contract to purchase 150 megawatts (MW) of solar power from Sempra Generation’s Mesquite Solar 1 facility in Arizona, the U.S.

The photovoltaic plant will be located in Maricopa County, near Phoenix. Image: Flickr/jimmywayne.

Sempra says it will start building work on the photovoltaic plant, which is expected to generate energy for approximately 56,000 homes, this June. Slated for completion in 2013, around 300 construction jobs will reportedly be created.

The 150 MW system is just the first phase in Sempra’s Mesquite plans. In total, it aims to build a 700 MW solar complex, located in Arlington, Maricopa County. Located around 40 miles west of Phoenix, Arlington has a population of under 200.

In February, it was announced that Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. and Zachry Holdings, Inc., had been selected by Sempra to design and construct the 150 megawatt first phase.

"Approval of this contract is a major step forward for Sempra Generation and it reflects the vision and leadership by PG&E and state policy makers who have put California on the path to a clean energy future," stated Jeffrey Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation.