EDP Renewables, ConnectGen Complete Acquisition of Three First Solar Projects

US-headquartered First Solar, Inc. announced that a partnership composed of EDP Renewables and ConnectGen has completed the acquisition of three projects with a total nameplate design of 278 megawatts (MW)_AC in the United States. First Solar previously disclosed that the sale of these projects were subject to certain conditions precedent for closing that have since been satisfied.

All three projects are powered by First Solar’s thin film module technology, developed and innovated in the United States. The projects will be operated by First Solar Energy Services, which, with over 10 gigawatts (GW) under management, is the solar industry’s most experienced Operations and Maintenance (O&M) service provider for large-scale solar power plants.

The projects include the 154MW_AC Sun Streams 1 project in Maricopa County, Arizona, the 20MW_AC Windhub A project in Kern County, California, and the 103MW_AC Sunshine Valley project in Nye County, Nevada. All three projects are scheduled to achieve substantial completion by the end of the fourth quarter of 2019.

“These projects reflect EDP Renewables’ focus on value creation, innovation, and sustainability. Combining responsible development with attractive economics backed by long-term Power Purchase Agreements, they are powered by one of the most innovative and eco-efficient solar technologies available today,” said Miguel Prado, Chief Executive Officer, EDP Renewables North America. “We look forward to adding these projects to our growing portfolio in the United States.”

EDP Renewables is a leading global renewable energy company that operates in markets around the globe. The United States is the company’s biggest market in terms of installed capacity and production. EDP Renewables North America commissioned its first two solar parks in California in January 2015, subsequently adding three solar parks in South Carolina to its operational portfolio.

“ConnectGen and First Solar strive to enable a sustainable energy future, and this deal furthers our goal to provide long-term, cost-effective, renewable energy solutions in the United States,” said Caton Fenz, Chief Executive Officer, ConnectGen. “We look forward to working alongside EDP Renewables and with all project stakeholders to responsibly bring these important projects to fruition.”

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ConnectGen develops renewable energy and energy storage projects across North America. The company is backed by Quantum Energy Partners, a leading provider of private equity capital to the global energy industry.

“We’ve proven, once again, that investors are focused on the winning formula: responsible development, attractive project economics, and long-term Power Purchase Agreements, underpinned by high-performance PV modules and a partner that stands behind its commitments,” said Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer, First Solar. “We thank EDP Renewables and ConnectGen for their trust and for recognizing the robustness of First Solar’s approach to project development in the United States.”

All three projects are powered by First Solar’s thin film module technology, developed and innovated in the United States. Once commissioned, the projects will be operated by First Solar Energy Services, which, with over 10 gigawatts (GW) under management, is the solar industry’s most experienced Operations and Maintenance (O&M) service provider for large-scale solar power plants.

First Solar is celebrating two decades since its founding in 1999 and 25GW_DC of photovoltaic (PV) modules shipped, making it the only American solar manufacturing company to achieve this milestone.