Southern Company's Spectrum Solar Facility online

October 24, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

The Spectrum Solar Facility, the largest tracking solar plant acquired by Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power in partnership with Turner Renewable Energy has begun commercial operation. The 30-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) installation located in Clark County, Nevada, utilizes tracking technology that enables greater operating efficiency by optimally directing solar panels to track the sun as it moves across the sky.

Solar power in Nevada. Credit: Balloonboy 101/Wikimedia Commons

Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy acquired the project in September 2012. The Spectrum Solar Facility fits Southern Power's business strategy of growing the wholesale business in targeted markets through acquiring generating assets and building new units, the output of which is significantly covered by long-term contracts.

"Our partnership with Turner Renewable Energy helps us to prepare for America's energy future," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning.

Ted Turner, owner of Turner Renewable Energy, teamed with Southern Company through a subsidiary in January 2010 to form a strategic alliance to pursue development of renewable energy projects in the United States. The partnership has primarily focused on acquiring solar PV projects where solar resources are most favorable.

In September 2012, the Spectrum Solar Facility became the third of five projects jointly acquired by Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy. The partnership's first project was the acquisition and development of the 30 MW Cimarron Solar Facility then came the 20 MW Apex Solar Facility in Clark County, Nevada, and the 2.5 MW Granville Solar Facility in Granville County, North Carolina. In April, the partnership acquired its largest project, the 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Project in Imperial County, California.

Electricity generated by the Spectrum Solar Facility will serve a 25-year power purchase agreement with Nevada Power Company, a principal subsidiary of NV Energy.

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