SunPower begins construction on ‘hold co’ 135MW California solar project

July 29, 2014
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Solar manufacturer and developer, SunPower has begun construction of a 135MW solar power plant.

SunPower will own and operate the solar power plant while it is under construction, as part of its ‘hold co’ strategy, announced in April.  

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 ‘hold co’ strategy allows SunPower to realise the return on investment from the solar PV plant, reducing “the risk to potential buyers if we decide to sell the operational plant,” says SunPower president and CEO, Tom Werner.

The Quinto Solar Power plant will be located in Merced County, California supplying energy to south California utility, Edison under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

During the construction of the 1,000 acre solar power plant, 295 jobs will be created, to meet the scheduled completion time, of the end of 2015, powering 40,000 homes.

The plant will be constructed in sections, called SunPower ‘Oasis’ blocks, with each block being commissioned in cannon, SunPower can generate and test its power while the site is still under construction, as part of the ‘hold co’.

Read Next

January 28, 2026
Fraunhofer ISE is exploring how medium-voltage technology can reduce the use of raw materials such as copper and aluminium in PV systems.
January 28, 2026
The US Department of Commerce has found 'countervailable subsidies' of 117.41% provided to China-based manufacturers of solar PV cells.
January 27, 2026
Texas-based IPP Catalyze has secured tax equity financing from RBC Community Investments to support its 100MW solar project portfolio across the US. 
January 27, 2026
French renewables developer TSE Energy will build a 500MW portfolio of agrivoltaics projects on cooperatively-owned French farmland.
January 27, 2026
Enery has secured over US$297 million to develop its renewable energy portfolio across Czechia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Slovenia.
Premium
January 27, 2026
For the past two years, China’s PV manufacturers have been locked in a cycle of intense competition and price wars.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA