Mendota to Host Giant (5 MW) Photovoltaic Solar Farm Developed by Cleantech America Inc.

November 07, 2007 12:33 PM Eastern Time

Mendota to Host Giant Photovoltaic Solar Farm Developed by Cleantech America Inc.

Program Includes Green Energy Jobs Training

MENDOTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With higher than average days of sunshine, younger than average population, and enthusiastic support for green energy projects, the City of Mendota has been selected the site of what will be the largest solar farm in California providing emission-free photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity to an investor-owned utility, Mayor Robert Silva announced.

The 5 megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar facility, dubbed “CalRENEW-1,” is being developed by San Francisco-based Cleantech America Inc., and will sell electricity to Pacific Gas & Electric under a power purchase agreement. Scheduled to begin operation in the spring of 2009, CalRENEW-1 will provide environmental, economic and educational benefits to the Central Valley, in addition to new jobs creation.

“We are thrilled to have been selected as the host of this important environmentally clean solar farm!” Mayor Silva said today during an announcement ceremony held at City Hall. “We see it as a perfect fit. We want to improve our air quality, create new jobs for our families, and secure our energy future by becoming self-sufficient. We look forward to a brighter future, thanks to our partnership with Cleantech America, Inc.”

“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than the City of Mendota,” said Bill Barnes, CEO of Cleantech America Inc., which has pledged $20,000 to the City of Mendota for a new vocational education program to help train workers in solar power installation and maintenance.

“While many communities would like to be leaders of the ‘green tech’ revolution, Mendota has the political will and commitment to become a significant clean energy center. We have been very impressed by the leadership exhibited by Mayor Silva, the city council and the elected officials and economic development leaders of the San Joaquin Valley. And of course, with its great sun characteristics, the Central Valley is ideal for solar power,” Barnes said.

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