"In the past year, we have seen a large and vital shift in solar power development," said Julia Hamm, executive director of SEPA. "Especially given the tough financial conditions, we continue to see that not only have utilities become essential partners for the solar power industry, but they are taking leadership positions more every day. The solar industry is rising to the challenge and showing excellent growth."

Today’s announcement illustrates one of the key drivers of the current solar industry: utility-driven projects. While many of the largest solar power projects announced in the last year have used solar-thermal technology, the new SCE projects will use thin-film solar photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity. "Innovation from a variety of solar companies is rapidly reducing the cost of solar power, and announcements like this are indicators of the solar industry’s scale-up to meet utility-scale needs. Research shows that we are reaching the point at which solar power is as or more cost-effective than traditional sources of power in certain U.S. locations," continued Hamm.

According to nationwide data collected by SEPA and reported in its 2008

"California utilities have been leading the way on utility-driven solar power for years, and Southern California Edison is doing its part both with this announcement and the 500 MW of distributed PV that was recently approved by the California Public Utilities Commission," said Kim Kiener, SEPA’s western regional director. "Today’s announcement demonstrates how California utilities are working diligently to meet renewable energy goals with solar power and commanding national leadership in the process."

The agreement between First Solar and Southern California Edison covers the 250-megawatt "Desert Sunlight" project near Desert Center, and the 300-megawatt "Stateline" project in northeastern San Bernardino County. According to Southern California Edison, the plan will be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission for approval, and both projects are scheduled to be completed in 2015.

The state of California aims to generate 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2010. The state is considering legislation to add a goal of 33 percent by 2020.

To arrange interviews with or comments from Julia Hamm, SEPA executive director, or Kim Kiener, SEPA western regional director, contact Emily Chamberlin Douglas at 650-762-2945 or