Suntech Power has been chosen by SunPeak Solar, LLC to supply the solar panels needed in the construction of a vast 23 megawatt (MW) solar power plant on the U.S/ Mexico border.
Suntech, the world’s leading producer of solar panels, says it will provide the massive plant with around 100,000 of its latest Vd-Series solar module. The solar farm is being built on 123 acres of land near San Diego,
The panels are designed specifically for the utility-scale market and feature advanced SuperPoly silicon processing technology, which Suntech claims improves performance levels of the Vd-Series panels by 10 percent. SuperPoly silicon casting technology produces high-quality multicrystalline wafers using modified multicrystalline casting equipment. The process also achieves lower oxygen content for multicrystalline wafers, leading to better resistance to light-induced degradation.
The plant will supplement the electricity generation infrastructure of county utility Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) Niland electric substation and natural gas turbine facilities, which last year were put under pressure after reaching a peak demand of 1,004 MW.
The SunPeak solar facility will provide electricity for 14,000 homes and generate around 2.29 percent of peak energy demand, allowing IID to meet part of its obligations under state law.
Californian law requires all state utilities to comply with its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which states electricity service providers to meet 33% of retail electricity sales with renewable energy sources by the end of 2020.
“We’re excited to support SunPeak Solar in helping IID meet its RPS goals and satisfy growing peak power demands,” said Mick McDaniel, Vice President of the Utility Sales Division for Suntech America. “This well-designed project demonstrates how solar power can efficiently complement existing grid assets, while maximizing value for grid operators and off-takers. Solar electricity serves as an effective hedge against volatile fuel prices and can significantly reduce the aggregate costs of electricity generation.”
