First Solar

AV Solar Ranch One

Los Angeles County, California, USA

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Located in the Antelope Valley area of North Los Angeles County, the 230MW AV Solar Ranch One will produce enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of about 75,000 average homes, displacing approximately *140,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year—the equivalent of taking about 30,000 cars off the road. Sited on previously-disturbed agricultural land, the AV Solar Ranch One project location was selected based on the quality of the solar resource, proximity to existing electrical transmission lines, compatibility with existing land uses, and limited environmental impacts. There are no threatened or endangered species on the site, and the project will not use water for electricity generation.

AV Solar Ranch One will provide economic benefits to businesses in the Antelope Valley, including engineering and design firms, construction subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers. We anticipate hiring up to 400 construction workers for the project. First Solar will seek to provide employment opportunities for qualified local residents.

AV Solar Ranch One was acquired by Exelon Corporation, a leading electric utility provider. First Solar will continue to build, operate, and maintain the facility.

Environmental Benefits

  • Enough power for 75,000 average homes
  • Displaces 140,000 tons of CO2 annually - equivalent to taking 30,000 cars off the road
  • Lowest impact of any PV technology
  • Electricity generation uses no water

Community Benefits

  • Wages and benefits from up to 400 construction jobs over three-to-four-year period
  • Increased state and local tax revenues
  • Local benefits to businesses in the area, from engineering and design firms to construction subcontractors, supplier, and service providers

Community Commitment

First Solar is committed to being a good neighbor. We are continuing to work with our neighbors, community groups, educational institutions, environmental groups, and business organizations to promote public awareness of solar energy and to ensure that AV Solar Ranch One is a valued and respected business within the Antelope Valley. The project is providing employment opportunities for local residents both during construction and after the commencement with full-time operations. First Solar is building partnerships with local community organizations and educational institutions with an emphasis on green technology and environmental sustainability.

AV Solar Ranch One

Project Timeline

  • Planning
    March 2009
    Submitted Zoning/ZUP Application
    April 2009
    CEQA Notice of Preparation
  • Permitting
    June 2010
    Draft EIR
    September 2010
    Final EIR
    October 2010
    Conditional Use Permit Approved
  • Construction
    August 2011
    Initial Construction Activities
     
  • Operation
    Late 2012
    First Power to Electric Grid
    December 2013
    Full Commercial Operation

AVSR1