Google-backed 104 MW solar PV facility comes online in Utah

Norway-based Scatec Solar ASA said it has commissioned its 104 MW solar PV plant in Parowan, Utah, more than doubling the state’s installed PV capacity. Utah in 2014 had 39 MW of installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association.

Scatec said it completed construction on the Utah Red Hills Renewable Park in less than a year. According to the company, the total investment for the plant is $188 million, with Google providing tax equity, Prudential Capital Group providing debt financing, and Scatec Solar providing sponsor equity. The power plant will be wholly owned by a joint partnership between Google and Scatec Solar.

The company has a 20-year power purchase agreement with PacifiCorp subsidiary Rocky Mountain Power for the facility. "We want to thank Scatec Solar because this experience has helped Rocky Mountain Power learn what works to help other solar projects that will be starting up soon here in Utah," Paul Clements, director of commercial services, Rocky Mountain Power, said in a statement. "This project is part of Rocky Mountain Power's commitment to be good guardians of our environment and wise stewards who work to keep electricity prices at some of the lowest rates in the nation."

According to PacifiCorp’s March 2015 Integrated Resource Plan, the utility has secured contracts to purchase power from five other planned solar PV facilities in Utah with nameplate capacities over 10 MW each. Those projects are the 80 MW Enterprise Solar plant, 80 MW Escalante Solar I plant, 80 MW Escalante Solar II pant, 80 MW Escalante Solar III plant, and 50 MW Pavant Solar plant. Scatec said it also is developing the 80 MW Three Peaks Solar plant in Iron County, Utah. PacifiCorp in August submitted an application to the Utah Public Service Commission to purchase power from that facility.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2015/12/google-backed-104-mw-solar-pv-facility-comes-online-in-utah.html