First Solar adds 60MW North Star solar project to US portfolio

US solar giant First Solar has purchased the 60MW North Star solar project to be located near Mendota, Fresno County, California, from NorthLight Power. Terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.

The 60MW facility was developed by Northlight Power, a  joint venture company formed by Renewable Energy Corporation and Summit Power Group. Construction is slated to begin in 2014 with completion scheduled for 2015.

When operational, the plant is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 21,000 Californian homes. All output will be sold to Pacific Gas and Electric Company under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“We’re excited to be acquiring and constructing our first utility-scale photovoltaic power project in Fresno County,” said James F. Cook, First Solar’s director of project development. “North Star will provide much-needed construction employment in a hard-hit economy, while helping the state satisfy its renewable energy requirements.”