The solar panels will be deployed on a 20-acre power plant and are capable of producing enough energy to power 500 homes.

Construction on the power project, which is expected to cost about $14m, will begin soon with the completion expected in early 2013.

Being developed by SunEdison, the solar facility will help DEC meet the state’s renewable energy portfolio standards, which require utilities to generate or buy 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025.

The power generated by the facility will offset energy purchases from the wholesale market.

Governor of Delaware Jack Markell said the new solar park makes a smart investment in the community.

"It puts people to work building and installing clean energy technology which provides jobs, benefits the environment and helps to grow the clean technology industry," Markell said.

DEC said the solar park could eventually be expanded to 40 acres with the ability to produce eight megawatts of power.