First Solar Inc. has started constructing the 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Project, located near El Centro in Imperial County, Calif. The solar power plant is expected to be completed this year.
The project gained approval on Dec. 18, 2012, from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) for easements required to cross IID's Westside Main Canal with the project's transmission line. Earlier approvals included a decision to issue a right-of-way grant from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and a conditional use permit from Imperial County.
First Solar will construct the project using its thin-film PV modules.