First Solar Inc. says Apple has committed $848 million for electricity from First Solar's 280 MW California Flats solar project in Cholame, Calif.
Apple will receive 130 MW of the project output under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). First Solar says it is the largest such deal to provide solar energy to a commercial end user.
The output of the remaining 150 MW of the project will be sold to Pacific Gas & Electric under a separate long-term PPA.
The 2,900-acre California Flats solar project occupies land owned by Hearst Corp. In January, the Monterey County Planning Commission unanimously approved the California Flats Solar Project, sending the project to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for approval, which is pending. Once given the green light, construction is expected to begin later this year and to be completed by the end of 2016.
‘Apple's commitment was instrumental in making this project possible and will significantly increase the supply of solar power in California,’ says Joe Kishkill, chief commercial officer for First Solar.
