Longroad Energy acquires four California solar projects totaling 160MW from First Solar
U.S.-based solar module manufacturer and project developer First Solar, Inc. announced that renewable energy developer headquartered in Massachusetts Longroad Energy Holdings , LLC is the acquirer of four solar projects with a combined capacity of 160-megawatts (MW)AC.
Backed by a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), Marin Clean Energy (MCE), the Little Bear Solar portfolio of projects is located in Fresno County, California.
The projects, which range from 20MWAC to 50MWAC and are expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, are designed to have a low impact on local land and water resources, and the environment. In addition to creating approximately 500 jobs during the contruction of the facility, Little Bear Solar is also expected to benefit local businesses.
The projects will be powered by First Solar’s Series 6 module technology. Designed and developed at the Company’s research and development centers in California and Ohio, and produced in just 3.5 hours using sophisticated, fully-integrated manufacturing processes, each large-format Series 6 module leverages First Solar’s proprietary thin film technology.
With a carbon footprint that is up to six times lower than crystalline silicon PV panels that are manufactured using conventional, energy-intensive production methods, Series 6 delivers a superior environmental profile and cleaner solar electricity.
Michael Alvarez, COO of Longroad Energy said:
“We are pleased to be working with First Solar to deliver reliable, cleaner solar electricity to communities across the Bay area. MCE’s customers have made the important choice to consume carbon-free electricity, and it is only fitting that these projects will be powered by lowest carbon solar modules available today. Responsibly developed, backed by long-term PPAs and powered by innovative solar technology designed in America, these projects are welcome additions to our growing portfolio in the United States.”
Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer, First Solar said:
“CCAs are playing a growing role in the democratization and decarbonization of California’s electricity, and we could not have asked for a better partner than Longroad Energy to deliver on our first deal in this important segment. With demand being driven primarily by environmentally-conscious consumers, we see a tremendous opportunity to support the growth of this segment with our portfolio of responsibly developed projects, powered by the world’s lowest carbon solar module technology.”
Source: Press Release by First Solar. Photo credit: © First Solar.
