Greentech Lead America: National Solar Power has signed
an agreement to buy several million advanced solar panels from SolarWorld, a
vertically integrated U.S. solar manufacturer, for its proposed solar power
facilities in Florida.
National Solar Power plans to build facilities totaling
700 megawatts in Gadsden, Hardee and Liberty counties.
“We are committed to helping make the United States the
world leader in renewable energy, and this partnership gives us the building
blocks to produce clean energy domestically. Best of all, we will be using U.S.
technology that will create thousands of jobs for Americans and help ensure
U.S. energy security and independence,” said James Scrivener, CEO of National
Solar.
National Solar plans to generate 400 MW of power at its
Gadsden County facility, 200 MW in Hardee County and 100 MW in Liberty County.
The solar farms will be built out in segments of 20 MW on about 200 acres each.
The company will begin construction of the first farm, in Hardee County,
later this year.
National Solar chose SolarWorld based on the high
quality of its products and its corporate culture focused on sustainability and
community partnerships.
“SolarWorld looks forward to being a partner in this
far-reaching and visionary project. National Solar Power is a recognized
innovator, and its projects in Florida are truly exciting developments in the
renewable-energy supply for our nation,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of
SolarWorld Americas.
National Solar Power has partnered with Hensel Phelps, a
construction company that remodeled the Pentagon after the 9-11 attacks in
2001, to build the facilities. Hensel Phelps will design, build and operate the
solar farm projects for National Solar.