Lightsource bp ushers in 100-MW solar farm in Alabama

• Lightsource bp, the UK-based, BP Plc (LON: BP)-backed solar designer, on Thursday inaugurated its 130-MW DC/100-MW AC Black Bear Solar project, one of the largest solar farms in Alabama.

The solar park is in the process of commissioning as well as will be totally functional next month.

The project has a 20-year agreement with the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) to offer solar energy to its 11 member local energies. It is anticipated to save AMEA a minimum of USD 40 million (EUR 40.8 m) over the preliminary 20-year power agreement, working as a hedge against volatility in natural gas prices, the programmer stated.

"AMEA is saving money with a home-grown, renewable resource that assists us offer dependable, cost-effective power to our neighborhoods," commented AMEA head of state as well as chief executive Fred D Clark Jr.

"This project is a fantastic instance of how solar is a job engine for Americans," according to Kevin Smith, president of Lightsource bp Americas.

It features more than 280,000 panels from Arizona-based First Solar Inc (NASDAQ: FSLR), solar trackers from New Mexico-based Array Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: ARRY) and fundamental heaps from Mississippi-based Attala Steel. The building and construction process used more than 400 individuals.