First Solar Inc. said Wednesday it has begun building the first rooftop solar system in a plan by Southern California Edison to add 250 megawatts of solar power capacity to large commercial rooftops in Southern California.
Southern California Edison's overall plan calls for the 250 megawatts to be installed over the next five years in what would be the largest rooftop solar project proposed by a U.S. utility.
First Solar began work on the initial 2 megawatt project July 14. The panels will be connected to California's power grid in September.
Separately, First Solar said it won approval to build a solar power plant in Blyth, Calif., that will produce at least 7.5 megawatts and as much as 21 megawatts of power.
A one-megawatt plant running continuously at full capacity can power 778 households each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar technology has lower capacity since its power generation is constrained by availability of the sun.
Shares of First Solar rose $9.21, or 3.3 percent, to $286.21 in midday trading.
