SunPower Corp expects to start construction on the 25-megawatt McHenry Solar Farm in Modesto, California before the end of the year, according to an announcement made today.
The solar photovoltaic power project received unanimous approval by the Stanislaus County planning commission on September 15, 2011. During construction, it is expected to create up to 144 construction jobs and inject approximately $18.7 million into the local economy.
Construction of the facility is contingent on the receipt of all remaining building permits, and is expected to be completed and operational by the second half of 2012.
Electricity produced by the solar PV project will serve the utility grid operated by Modesto Irrigation District (MID), helping the agency achieve California's 33 percent renewable portfolio standard.
"Solar power adds to the diversity of MID's power mix and is an excellent fit for our customers' energy needs," said Roger VanHoy, MID assistant general manager of electric resources. "We have been impressed by SunPower's professionalism and knowledge to date, and are confident SunPower has the experience and technology to cost-effectively deliver a system that will reliably generate solar power for MID's customers for the next 25 years."
The plant will use the SunPower Oasis Power Plant product. "SunPower technology is fast to install, offers guaranteed performance, and is a competitively-priced choice for power," said Howard Wenger, president of SunPower's utility and power plant business group. "We commend MID for seizing the opportunity to help meet the state's growing energy demand and renewable energy goals."
