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