First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced the installation of the first of 3.8 million solar modules at the 230-megawattAC Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One power plant in Los Angeles County.
Representatives from Los Angeles County's departments of Public Works and Regional Planning joined First Solar senior management and project workers in installing the 2-foot by 4-foot thin film photovoltaic (PV) module, marking the start of module installation, which the county approved on June 21, 2012.
First Solar and Public Works worked to achieve agreement on code certifications to ensure that all applicable building codes were met by the project.
"This process has paved the way for future projects in a region with enormous potential for solar energy development," said Tony Perrino, First Solar Director of Engineering, Procurement and Construction.
Located on 2,100 acres of former farmland, Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One is one of the largest construction projects under way in Los Angeles County. More than 385 workers are now being employed on the 2,100-acre site. When complete in 2013, the PV power plant will generate enough electricity for about 75,000 average California homes, while displacing 140,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of taking 30,000 cars off the road each year.