Gaskell West 1 Solar Project Begins Commercial Operation in California

Gaskell West 1 consists of approximately 85,710 modules manufactured by Canadian Solar.Construction of the approximately 280-acre project began in October 2017 and created 220 peak construction jobs.

Southern Power has announced the commercial operation of the 20-MW Gaskell West 1 Solar Facility in Kern County, California. This project marks Southern Power’s fifth solar facility within the county and 12th solar facility within the state to come online.

Construction of the approximately 280-acre project began in October 2017 and created 220 peak construction jobs. Southern Power acquired the facility in January 2018 from the project developer, Recurrent Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar. D.H. Blattner & Sons performed the EPC services for the photovoltaic field, and Dashiell Corporation performed the high-voltage EPC.

Gaskell West 1 consists of approximately 85,710 modules manufactured by Canadian Solar. First Solar Energy Services will operate and maintain the facility, and Southern California Edison is purchasing the electricity and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) generated under a 20-year power purchase agreement and will have the option to keep or sell the associated RECs.

This project aligns with Southern Power’s business strategy of acquiring and developing projects covered by long-term contracts with counterparties with strong credit support.

Southern Power owns more than 3,500 MW of renewable generation from 38 solar, wind and biomass facilities either announced, acquired or under construction across the U.S. In all, the Southern Company system has added or announced more than 6,500 MW of renewable generation since 2012.