MidAmerican Solar and First Solar Announce Start of Major Construction on Largest Solar Project in the World

DES MOINES, Iowa--()--This week, MidAmerican Solar and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) marked the start of major construction at Topaz Solar Farms, located in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. The 550-megawatt photovoltaic project will employ approximately 400 workers during its three-year construction period; will generate nearly $417 million in local economic impact, the majority of which will be generated during construction; and will provide California with renewable electricity.

When complete, the Topaz project will be the largest solar electric power plant in the world, providing enough energy to power approximately 160,000 average California homes.

“The Topaz project will benefit the environment and the local economy,” said Paul Caudill, president of MidAmerican Solar. “A project of this size creates jobs and plays a major role in our nation’s long-term electric energy supply. We are excited to be a part of the local San Luis Obispo community, and we look forward to having a major presence with stakeholders now and in the future. In addition to providing clean energy and jobs, we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to demonstrate how large-scale solar projects and geographies, such as the Carrizo Plain, can co-exist and benefit native biological species.”

On May 3, MidAmerican Solar and First Solar representatives held a groundbreaking celebration at the project site at which they discussed the project’s construction schedule, environmental values and community-centered plans for the future with local and state community leaders and landowners. The groundbreaking event was followed by a community celebration at nearby Santa Margarita Ranch. More than 400 people attended the festivities.

“First Solar is pleased to be working on the Topaz project and other PV solar projects with MidAmerican Solar,” said Jim Lamon, First Solar senior vice president of engineering, procurement and construction, and operations and maintenance. “Utility-scale PV projects like Topaz are the quickest and most cost-effective way to bring significant solar power to the grid.”

“PG&E provides its customers with some of the cleanest power in the nation, and is committed to meeting the state’s aggressive renewable energy goals,” said John Conway, PG&E’s senior vice president for energy supply. “As Topaz is phased-in over time, it will help us meet that commitment while moving the state one step closer toward achieving its long-term environmental objectives.”

The Topaz project is owned by MidAmerican Solar and will be constructed, operated and maintained by First Solar. Construction began in November 2011 and is expected to be complete by early 2015.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company will purchase the electricity from the Topaz project under a 25-year power purchase agreement, helping California meet its mandate to generate 33 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020.

Developed by First Solar, the Topaz project will incorporate the company’s advanced thin-film PV modules, which generate electricity with no emissions, waste or water use and have the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology. Electricity generated by the Topaz project will displace approximately 377,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year – the equivalent of taking approximately 73,000 cars off the road.

Video b-roll is available at http://www.firstsolar.com/en/Press-Center/Media-Library/Topaz-B-Roll.

MidAmerican Solar
MidAmerican Solar is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Renewables and is headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. MidAmerican Solar’s primary projects include the 550-megawattAC Topaz project in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., and a 49 percent ownership interest in the 290-megawattAC Agua Caliente project in Yuma County, Ariz. More information is available at www.midamericanrenewablesllc.com.

MidAmerican Renewables is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a global provider of energy services. Through its energy-related businesses, MidAmerican provides electric and natural gas service to 7 million customers worldwide. These businesses are Pacific Power, Rocky Mountain Power and PacifiCorp Energy, comprising PacifiCorp; MidAmerican Energy Company; Northern Powergrid Holdings Company; Northern Natural Gas Company; Kern River Gas Transmission Company; MidAmerican Renewables; and CalEnergy Philippines. Information about MidAmerican is available at www.midamerican.com.

First Solar
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic solar systems that use its advanced thin-film modules. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fueled electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company’s business involving the company’s products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company’s key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50264936&lang=en

Contacts

MidAmerican Solar
Ann Thelen
Director, Communications and Media Relations
515-281-2785
athelen@midamerican.com
or
First Solar, Inc.
Alan Bernheimer
Director, Public Relations
415-935-2499
abernheimer@firstsolar.com

Contacts

MidAmerican Solar
Ann Thelen
Director, Communications and Media Relations
515-281-2785
athelen@midamerican.com
or
First Solar, Inc.
Alan Bernheimer
Director, Public Relations
415-935-2499
abernheimer@firstsolar.com