America’s Largest Thin Film Solar Project is Up-and-Running in California

The largest thin film solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the United States, recently began commercial operations in California.

According to a company press release, the 21-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, acquired by NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), was developed and constructed by First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR).

The Blythe plant, located about 200 miles east of Los Angeles, uses thin film solar cells constructed out of cadmium telluride (CdTe) on glass. At peak capacity, the plant will generate enough juice to power an estimated 17,000 homes. Furthermore, the solar power plant will generate over 45,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. All energy produced by the facility will be sold to Southern California Edison (SCE) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The thin film semiconductor technology is said to be the most cost effective in the solar industry. During operation, the modules convert sunlight into electricity with no water use, no waste production and no air emissions.  175 people were employed in the construction of the facility, which took just three months to build. More solar power plants, including several in California, one in Nevada and one in China, are being planned by First Solar.

Arizona-based First Solar, founded in 1999, manufactures cost-effective modules for both residential and small commercial applications in select areas in the US. The company has also established a prefunded module collection and recycling program.

By using advanced solar technology, First Solar continues to grow despite today’s economy. Nicknamed the “Google of solar energy,” First Solar is “focused on creating cost-effective, renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment.”

Image courtesy of First Solar