The contract is the first installation in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) plan to install 250MW of solar generating capacity on large commercial rooftops throughout southern California over the next five years. SCE began installation of this initial project in July 2008, and expects to connect the photovoltaic (PV) power plant to the grid in September 2008.

In addition, the California Public Utilities Commission approved project terms of a 20 year power purchase agreement between First Solar and SCE for the sale of electricity generated by a PV power plant. First Solar plans to build the new plant in Blythe, California. The PV power plant will be a minimum of 7.5MW, with an option by First Solar to increase the size to 21MW.

First Solar will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the PV power plant, and maintain the PV power plant over its lifetime. Subject to the satisfaction of remaining contingencies, including the extension of the federal solar investment tax credit, First Solar expects to begin construction of the PV power plant in 2009.