The Walpole power plant is the first of the three plants, including 10MWAC Amherstburg and 20MWAC Belmont, constructed by First Solar that have been commissioned and energized to provide power to the grid.
The sale of Walpole plant is the first transaction between First Solar and GE after the purchase of GE’s solar technology by First Solar and formation of collaborative commercial partnership on 6 August 2013.
While First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services, the electricity from the combined 50MWac power plants will be sold to Ontario Power Authority under its Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP).
First Solar Americas business development senior vice president Tim Rebhorn said First Solar is proud to contribute to Ontario’s renewable energy objectives.
"In addition to providing clean electricity, the projects have provided meaningful employment and local economic benefits, as well as contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the local utility system," Rebhorn added.
GE Energy Financial Services managing director and Canada business leader Mark Tonner said their Ontario investments deepen their longstanding relationship with First Solar and illustrate their interest in acquiring solar power projects at various stages of development and construction.
"Through a variety of equity and lease arrangements, we help developers monetize their own investments," Tonner added.
