(AP) -- ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - North America's largest solar energy services provider and a Western utility have announced plans to install five photovoltaic solar facilities in southeastern New Mexico.
SunEdison and Xcel Energy's Southwestern Public Service Company say the 50 megawatt project will be one of the largest in North America. The five installations will be capable of generating enough electricity to power more than 10,000 homes.
The solar arrays will be located in Lea and Eddy counties.
Xcel says the project will bolster rural economies and help the company meet renewable energy standards in New Mexico.
The project will be built, financed and maintained by SunEdison under a 20-year agreement with Xcel, which will then buy the power.
Officials expect the project to be fully operational by the end of 2011.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
