NRG Energy Inc. and First Solar Inc. have entered into an agreement for First Solar to construct NRG's 26 MW Avra Valley solar project near Tucson, Ariz. Electricity from the Avra Valley project will be sold to Tucson Electric Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The project will utilize First Solar's thin-film photovoltaic technology, mounted on the company's single-axis tracker system. Construction on the project, which is expected to begin this month, will create an estimated 200 jobs, according to the companies.
First Solar expects to complete Avra Valley by the end of the year.