MidAmerican Solar and First Solar Inc. state that they have begun major construction at the Topaz Solar Farm, located in San Luis Obispo County, Calif.
The 550 MW photovoltaic project will employ approximately 400 workers during its three-year construction period. When complete, the Topaz project will be the largest solar electric power plant in the world, according to the companies.
The project is owned by MidAmerican Solar and will be constructed, operated and maintained by First Solar. Initial construction began in November 2011 and is expected to be complete by early 2015.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will purchase the electricity from the Topaz project under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
