First Solar sells 30MW to Southern


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
First Solar, Inc. announced it has sold a 30 megawatt (AC) photovoltaic solar power project to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy.

The Cimarron I Solar Project is adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico. First Solar developed the project and is providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. First Solar will also provide operation and maintenance services under a 25-year contract. The facility will supply power to approximately 9,000 homes, or 18,000 residents, and displace over 45,000 tons of CO2 per year.

“The Cimarron I project is yet another example of First Solar’s capability to realize utility-scale solar projects,” said Rob Gillette, First Solar chief executive officer. “Combining the required technology, manufacturing, project development and EPC expertise enables First Solar to be a leader in sustainable energy development.”

Construction of the solar project will begin this month, with completion and commercial operation expected by year end 2010. It will employ approximately 500,000 photovoltaic modules manufactured by First Solar using its advanced thin film technology. The project will create over 200 jobs at construction peak.

Electricity generated by the plant will serve a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a not-for-profit wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives serving 1.4 million customers across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Related News

Federal Government announces funding for Manitoba-Saskatchewan power line

Birtle Transmission Line connects Manitoba Hydro to SaskPower, enabling 215 MW of clean hydroelectricity, improving…
View more

France Demonstrates the Role of Nuclear Power Plants

France Nuclear Power Strategy illustrates a low-carbon, reliable baseload complementing renewables in the energy transition,…
View more

Stop the Shock campaign seeks to bring back Canadian coal power

Alberta Electricity Price Hikes spotlight grid reliability, renewable transition, coal phase-out, and energy poverty, as…
View more

Notley announces plans to move Alberta's electricity grid to net-zero by 2035 if elected

Alberta NDP Net-Zero Electricity Plan targets a 2035 clean grid, expands renewable energy, cuts emissions,…
View more

Lawmakers question FERC licensing process for dams in West Virginia

FERC Hydropower Licensing Dispute centers on FERC authority, Clean Water Act compliance, state water quality…
View more

Modular nuclear reactors a 'long shot' worth studying, says Yukon gov't

Yukon SMR Feasibility Study examines small modular reactors as low-emissions nuclear power for Yukon's grid…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified