150MW PV plant online in southern California, sells power to SDG&E

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
This project marks Tenaska's second large-scale PV project to reach commercial operation. Source: Tenaska Imperial Solar

A 150MW solar PV plant in Southern California is fully operational, according to independent power producer (IPP) Tenaska.

The Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Centre West supplies power to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) under a 25-year PPA. Located about eight miles west of El Centro, California, the project features 1.8 million First Solar PV panels and produces enough clean energy to power 55,000 homes.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The plant began construction in November 2014 and O&M was assumed by First Solar. It was connected to Sunrise Powerlink, a 117-mile transmission line built to carry renewable power supplies from the Imperial Valley to San Diego.

The plant is Nebraska-based Tenaska’s second large-scale solar project to achieve commercial operation as the company continues to expand its footprint in renewable generation.

“SDG&E has aggressively pursued clean, reliable and affordable energy for its consumers. We are proud that Tenaska projects will be significant contributors to its renewable energy supply for years to come,” said Jerry Crouse, Tenaska vice chairman and chief executive officer. “Similar to other Tenaska facilities, Tenaska Imperial West was developed, engineered and constructed safely, in an environmentally responsible manner, on time and within budget.”

13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our fourth PV CellTech conference dedicated to solar manufacturing in the USA. From polysilicon, wafers, ingots, cells and modules, to critical component suppliers including glass and frames, the event connects every stage of the value chain under one roof. PV CellTech USA also brings together investors, innovators, manufacturers and industry stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen domestic solar manufacturing across the United States.

Read Next

September 2, 2026
Waaree Energies approved US$37 million to expand its Arizona module plant to 1.6GW and consolidate 2.11GW in Gujarat.
September 2, 2026
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill has signed into law a bill that will permit state residents to use plug-in solar panels of up to 1,200W.
September 2, 2026
In the third part of this week’s series exploring the US solar supply chain, we track how quickly announced manufacturing capacity is translating into real production.
September 2, 2026
Array Technologies has completed its acquisition of Affordable Wire Management (AWM), following the announcement of the deal in July.
September 1, 2026
California has advanced a bill that would enable residents to request remote inspections for home energy systems.
September 1, 2026
The US has launched a US$12 million R&D fund that will support projects to produce solar panels for use in space.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK