Although the financial costs remain unknown, an agreement has been reached over conservation issues arising from the 550MW Topaz Solar Farm project that First Solar is developing in San Luis Obispo County, California. A lawsuit against the project started by North County Watch and Carrizo Commons is expected to be dropped.
Topaz Solar Farms, LLC, a subsidiary of First Solar is to operate the plant for 35-years, while many plants are often initially quoted to be operated for 25-years, though it is not known whether the massive project was initially planned that way.
Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis
Photovoltaics International is now included.
- Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
- In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
- Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
- Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
- Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
- Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual
However, Topaz was said to have committed to decommissioning and restoration of habitat and previously planned preservation of off-site lands. The total off-site land area to be preserved in perpetuity was said to be approximately 22,000 acres.
Previously, land totalling approximately 26,000 acres was earmarked, though this included a SunPower project in the vicinity, not thought to be included in this preservation agreement.
The new agreement between First Solar, North County Watch and Carrizo Commons provides enhanced communication, collaboration, research and monitoring measures, including a Biological Working Group, according to First Solar.
