First Solar

Agua Caliente Solar Project

Yuma County, Arizona, USA

Project Overview

Located 65 miles east of the city of Yuma on the former White Wing Ranch, the Agua Caliente Solar Project will produce sufficient electricity to power about 100,000 average homes per year, displacing approximately *220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year—the equivalent of taking about 40,000 cars off the road. The Agua Caliente Solar Project location on previously-disturbed agricultural land was selected after an extensive review of the available solar resource, proximity to existing electrical transmission lines, and current land uses.

The Agua Caliente Solar Project will generate state and local tax revenues, wages from up to 400 jobs during the four-year constructon period and about 16 ongoing monitoring and operations positions, as well as benefits to many local businesses. First Solar will seek to provide employment opportunities for qualified local residents. The project has secured all necessary permits to commence construction, including a certificate of environmental compatibility from the Arizona Corporation Commission and a conditional use permit from Yuma county.

Environmental Benefits

  • Enough power for 100,000 average homes
  • Displaces 220,000 tons of CO2 annually - equivalent to taking 40,000 cars off the road
  • Lowest environmental impact of any PV technology
  • No water required for Electricity generation

Community Benefits

  • Wages and benefits from up to 400 construction jobs over 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. First Solar will continue to engage the community, educational institutions, environmental groups, and business organizations to ensure that the Agua Caliente Solar Project is a valued and respected business in Yuma County. The project will provide employment opportunities for local residents both during construction and after the commencement of full-time operations. First Solar expects to build partnerships with local community organizations and educational institutions with an emphasis on green technology and environmental sustainability.

Agua Caliente Area Map

Project Details

290MW (AC)
Yuma County, Arizona, USA

Developer/Construction/O&M

First Solar, Inc.

Owners

NRG Energy, Inc.

MidAmerican Energy Holdings

PPA

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Project Resources

Project Datasheet

Project Timeline

  • Planning
    2008
    Project proposed by NextLight
    September 2009
    PPA with PG&E
  • Permitting
    September 2010
    Approved by AZ Corporation Commission
    September 2010
    Special Use Permit approved by County
    June 2010
    PPA approved by California PUC
  • Construction
    2010
    Start construction
    July 2010
    Interconnection Agreement approved by FERC
  • Operation
    2014
    Estimated project operation

Agua Caliente Solar Project