“The company behind the project, First Solar, confirmed on its website that this project will generate sufficient electricity to power 160,000 average sized California homes. Moreover, it will remove 377,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year – equivalent to taking 73,000 cars off the road.” – K J Tobal

The world’s largest solar power plant is now fully operational in California, with enough power to supply 160,000 homes. Reports revealed that the plant is equipped with 9 million solar panels installed across 9.5 square miles.

Late last month, the Topaz Solar project, as it’s being called, performed full commercial operation with the completion of its final 40-megawatt (AC) phase, making history not only as the first 500-megawatt plus solar farm to come on-line in the U.S. but also as the largest solar plant on-line in the world, according to Greentech Media.

Located in San Luis Obispo County on California’s Carrizo Plain, Topaz consists of 9 million solar panels, spanning a huge 9.5 square miles (25 square km): 1/3 of Manhattan’s size.

Topaz is separated from the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California’s Mojave Desert, which produces power by directing sunlight towards a central boiler using a large number of mirrors. Continue reading →