First Solar’s Cimarron I Solar Project, which is adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico, has been sold to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy for an undisclosed sum. Construction of the 30MW power plant is expected to begin this month, with commercial operations starting by year end. First Solar is providing the thin-film modules as well as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services and maintenance services under a 25-year contract.
Cimarron I will employ approximately 500,000 CdTe thin-film modules. Electricity generated by the plant will serve a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a not-for-profit wholesale power supplier.