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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) announced it has supplied 5MW of solar panels for a 10MW solar electricity system to power Masdar City. This follows the announcement last week that First Solar will provide the other 5MW.

The panels will form part of the largest solar plant in the Middle East and is being built and designed by Abu Dhabi-based solar power system integrator, Enviromena Power Systems. The installation has been designed with 5MW of First Solar's thin film CdTe modules and 5MW of Suntech's crystalline modules.

"Masdar City is a revolutionary concept that will greatly influence the future of global urban development. Solar energy systems are the ideal solution for Masdar City as electricity generated will coincide with peak energy usage during the middle of the day," said Dr. Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, "This 10MW system is expected to generate over 17 million kilowatt-hours per year and reduce carbon emissions by over 15,000 metric tons annually."

With a total investment of approximately $15 billion, Masdar City will take eight years to build and be home to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses. The city, which will cover 6.5 square kilometers, will be primarily powered by solar energy and employ a broad range of innovative energy-efficient technologies including electric travel pods, waste and water recycling, natural ventilation and shading. Masdar City's 10MW solar farm will provide power for the construction and eventual operations of parts of Masdar City.