The facility, which will be situated on about 1000 acres in Pecos county, is expected to feature around 1.2 million of First Solar’s thin-film, photovoltaic solar modules mounted on single-axis tracking tables.
The plant will be built, maintained and operated by First Solar. Construction of the facility started in February and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarterof 2016.
Austin Energy will buy the electricity and associated energy credits (RECs) generated at the facility under a 15 year power purchase agreement. The company will have an option to keep or divest the RECs.
Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas Fanning said: "Southern Power’s acquisition of the East Pecos Solar Facility underscores the company’s commitment to strategically develop renewables across America."
"This project aligns with its conservative business model as Southern Power has built one of the nation’s largest renewable energy portfolios."
The acquisition is Southern Power’s second purchase in Texas. Last November, the company acquired the 157MW Roserock solar facility.
Southern Power has over 1900MW of renewable energy producing capacity ownership. Its portfolio includes 26 solar, wind and biomass projects either under operation or under development throughout the US.
