OptiSolar To Build World's Largest Solar Farm In California

Hayward, CA (AHN) - The state of California will be home to the world's largest solar farm by 2013, which is expected to generate 550 megawatts of power and supply 190,000 homes.

The solar farm, to be built by OptiSolar, will cover almost 10 square miles of land near the Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County, 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Construction will start in 2010 as soon as permits are obtained from concerned government and environment agencies.

However, OptiSolar has yet to secure state approval as well as funding for the ambitious project.

OptiSolar will manufacture thin-film amorphous silicon photovoltaic panels placed five feet off the ground minus the tilt common in the installation of solar panels.

OptiSolar will use about one percent of crystalline silicon with nontoxic and recyclable hardware made from glass, steel and cement.

The State of California has been championing renewable energy sources such as solar power. OptiSolar said that it will take advantage of the economic incentives provided by both the state and county for renewable energy projects.

The Nellis Air Force base in Nevada is the largest solar power plant in North America, which is 40 times smaller than the OptiSolar project.