SunPower has started construction of the 56-megawatt (AC) Gala Solar Power Plant in Crook County, Ore.
The project, which is expected to be the state’s largest operating solar power plant when it is completed by the end of 2017, is anticipated to create approximately 300 jobs during peak construction.
SunPower’s third-generation SunPower Oasis platform for solar power plants will be installed on the site to maximize the project’s long-term energy production.
The Oasis platform Includes 50 percent fewer parts than conventional solar plant systems and an integrated solar tracker design that streamlines construction and reduces operations and maintenance costs, the company said.
“While solar is cost-competitive today, SunPower is continuing to drive the cost of energy down through innovation and integrated complete solutions such as our Oasis platform,” said Ty Daul, SunPower vice president, Americas Power Plants. “We’re pleased to contribute to economic development in Oregon with the construction of this milestone project.”
“Solar power projects deliver a range of regional benefits, including job creation and affordable emission-free power,” said Ann Beier, assistant planning director, Crook County Community Development. “We are proud that, working in partnership with SunPower on the Gala Solar Power Plant, Crook County is helping lead the way in Oregon in supporting increased solar development.”
SunPower has contracted with Moss, a national construction firm, as the general contractor for the project.
At the Gala site, SunPower E-Series panels will be installed on the SunPower Oasis trackers, enabling more megawatt hours per acre to be generated compared to conventional solar technology.
editor@greentechlead.com