Construction of the Solar Gen 2 facility commenced by First Solar in 2013, and the project is expected to be completed later in the fourth quarter 2014.
Upon completion, the solar plant is anticipated to produce enough electricity to power over 60,000 average homes in California.
The Solar Gen 2 project consists of three sites, each featuring approximately a 50MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
The facility spans over1,451 acres of land in Imperial County. It will deploy over one million thin-film photovoltaic solar modules mounted on single-axis tracking tables developed by First Solar.
Southern Company chairman, president and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said: "Our strategic renewable development has earned Southern Company a reputation as a national leader in solar.
"Expanding our partnership with First Solar – a global renewable leader – will help us continue to develop a more diverse energy mix for America."
First Solar CEO Jim Hughes said: "We value the strong, successful track record we have with Southern Power.
"We’re pleased to continue that relationship with Solar Gen 2 and we look forward to further opportunities to work together."
Southern Power will initially own the entire project, with First Solar agreeing to acquire a minority interest subject to certain terms and upon fulfillment of certain conditions.
Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, will receive electricity produced by the facility.
