NRG Energy’s solar plant to start operations next year

The 250MW California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) project in the US is expected to begin partial operations in 2012.

The project is owned by NRG Energy, and SunPower will be responsible for the project's design and construction.

Bechtel will provide balance of plant engineering and procurement and construction services.

Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, PG&E will purchase the energy generated by the facility using the SunPower Oasis power plant product.

Construction on the project began in September 2011.

Upon completion, NRG and SunPower will jointly operate and maintain CVSR for two years, after which NRG assumes sole responsibility.