Nearly 1 million photovoltaic panels will be providing clean solar energy to California residents later this year thanks to two major projects located over the border in the Nevada desert.
According to Sempra Generation, the El Dorado solar plant in the Boulder City, Nevada area is already generating 10 megawatts of electricity, which is being purchased by Pacific Gas & Electric under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The California utility is also set to purchase the 48 megawatts of electricity that are expected to be generated by the Copper Mountain solar project when it is completed later this year.
Sempra reported that Copper Mountain, which began construction in January, has begun producing its first eight megawatts of solar energy. Combined, Sempra also noted that the two previously mentioned facilities will be the largest operational photovoltaic array in the country.
"Boulder City's vision to create a regional center for renewable energy, coupled with progressive utilities like PG&E that are seeking out cleaner power for customers make these solar projects a reality," said Sempra CEO Jeffrey Martin.