Solar Trust of America will convert the first 500MW phase of the Blythe Solar Power Project from concentrated solar power (CSP) to photovoltaic (PV) technology, citing "improved PV market conditions."

August 18, 2011 - BUSINESS WIRE -- Solar Trust of America, an integrated solar energy company, will convert the first 500MW phase of the Blythe Solar Power Project from concentrated solar power (CSP) to photovoltaic (PV) technology, citing "improved PV market conditions."

The Blythe Project is projected to have 1000MW total capacity, installed in the American Southwest. Solar Trust says it is the largest solar project under development in the world.

Solar Trust develops solar power plants at the "size and scope" of conventional power plants, said Uwe T. Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Solar Trust of America, which requires Solar Trust be attuned to the right technologies at the right time. A commercial PV project is more attractive than CSP in current market conditions, and the PV technology will enable Solar Trust to seek commercial banking support for project financing.

Construction at Blythe will take place in phases, which was not possible with the 250MW at-a-time CSP plan. Schmidt says the company's solar supply chain leverages economies of scale to be competitive with other utility-scale projects. Solar Trust of America has 2250MW of solar sites in advanced stages of development in the US. The company also has signed agreements for 1,500 MW of transmission access.

Solar thermal technology (such as CSP) will not be chucked from the company's portfolio, however. CSP has "grid-stabilizing characteristics" that will be recognized as renewables grow in North America, Schmidt said.

Solar Trust of America is an integrated solar energy company with several utility-scale solar energy projects under development throughout the American Southwest. Solar Trust of America works across the entire solar value chain, including project design, financing, procurement, construction, operation, and management. For more information visit www.SolarTrustofAmerica.com.

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