Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has acquired the 20MW Butler Solar Farm from Strata Solar, reaching the milestone of developing more than 400MW of solar power in the state of Georgia. Thin-film modules produced by First Solar will be installed for the project, and Georgia Power will purchase the electricity generated from the solar farm under a 20-year PPA.
Strata Solar launched the project, which was selected by Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power in a competitive process through the nationally recognized Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative. The project will be located on approximately 150 acres in Taylor County, Georgia. The Butler Solar Farm is expected to enter commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2015. It will consist of more than 263,000 of First Solar's thin-film photovoltaic solar modules.
Construction is slated to begin in July, with Strata Solar managing the engineering, procurement and construction of the facility. Southern Power will provide the onsite operation and maintenance of the facility in partnership with First Solar. Southern Power will retain the associated renewable energy credits, which it may sell to third parties, when completed.
"By harnessing emerging technologies, and innovating around the full energy portfolio, Southern Company continues to fulfill our promise to deliver real solutions for America's energy future," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning.
Southern Power has announced, acquired or is constructing more than 1,200 MW of renewable generating capacity with 18 solar, wind and biomass projects, including six solar projects in Georgia. The acquisition of the Butler Solar Farm fits the company’s business strategy of growing its wholesale business through the acquisition and construction of generating assets substantially covered by long-term contracts.