OptiSolar, a California-based independent power producer, has announced plans to develop a 550 MW photovoltaic solar farm in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. Located on the northwestern corner of the Carrisa Plains, the Topaz Solar Farm project will produce sufficient electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 190,000 average California homes.
OptiSolar says it intends to submit an application to San Luis Obispo County for a conditional use permit next month. Construction is targeted to begin in 2010, after completing the local approval process.