First Solar, Inc., Tempe, Ariz., in partnership with EDP Renewables, Houston, Texas, and ConnectGen, Houston, Texas, completed the acquisition of three projects with a total nameplate design of 278 megawatts (MW) in the United States.

The projects include the 154MW Sun Streams 1 project in Maricopa County, Ariz., the 20MW Windhub A project in Kern County, Calif., and the 103MW Sunshine Valley project in Nye County, Nev. 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,” says Miguel Prado, chief executive officer, EDP Renewables North America. “We look forward to adding these projects to our growing portfolio in the United States.”

“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,” says 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.” 

ConnectGen develops renewable energy and energy storage projects across North America. The company is backed by Quantum Energy Partners, Houston, Texas.

“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,” says 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 under management, is said to be the solar industry’s most experienced operations and maintenance service provider for large-scale solar power plants.