According to renewable energy financial analysis firm SNL Financial, of the 530 MW of U.S. solar capacity that came online in October, 510 MW were installed in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council.
The Campo Verde Solar Facility in California's Imperial Valley was the largest unit completed, SNL reports, with 139 MW of photovoltaic capacity becoming operational Oct. 25. The entire capacity of the facility is to be sold to Sempra Energy subsidiary San Diego Gas & Electric Co. under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
The second- and third-largest units completed in October were the two 125 MW concentrating solar power (CSP) units of the Solana Solar Generating station in Maricopa County, Ariz. Arizona Public Service Co. has contracted for its entire output under a 30-year PPA.
The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission says October was a banner month for renewable energy deployment in the country, and for solar power in particular.
A recent report from the American Council On Renewable Energy says the western U.S. is a leader in renewables development, with nearly all clean energy technologies well suited for deployment in the region.
