Cleantech America has broken ground on California's first utility-scale photovoltaic solar project to be approved under the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) program. Named CalRENEW-1, the solar farm is located in the City of Mendota in California's Central Valley and will provide 5 megawatts of emission-free solar electricity to PG and E under a long-term power purchase agreement.

The facility is scheduled to begin operation before the end of the year and when completed will be one of the largest photovoltaic solar projects in California.

CalRENEW-1 represents a successful collaboration between the Company, PG and E and the City of Mendota to create green jobs, improve air quality and demonstrate the viability of large-scale PV solar to help California meet its renewable energy goals.

"As a zero emission, solar facility, CalRENEW-1 will move the San Joaquin Valley one step closer toward cleaner air and create dozens of green jobs in a city embracing the new clean energy economy. It has taken the support and hard work of many dedicated individuals and we are all extremely excited to be commencing construction," said Bill Barnes, CEO of Cleantech America.

Mendota Mayor Robert Silva, who earlier shared a California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) award with Cleantech America for the project, is looking forward to the facility's construction and completion. "The City of Mendota is proud to be a leader in the new clean energy industry," he noted.

Cleantech America was recently acquired by Meridian Energy Ltd. the largest electricity generator in New Zealand, which generates power entirely from renewable resources. CalRENEW-1 is the company's first U.S. solar project and is a model for its U.S. growth strategy.

CalRENEW-1 will be one of the most advanced photovoltaic solar facilities in the world, helping California meet its stringent renewable energy and carbon reduction goals. Avoided emissions from CalRENEW-1 will be an estimated 6.3 million lbs/year of CO2, the primary source of global warming and climate change, plus 6,905 lbs/year of NOx and 5,451 lbs/year of SO2 (source: EPA eGRID2002 database). In addition to environmental benefits, the solar farm is anticipated to provide economic benefits.

Quanta Services will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the project, which will utilize Sharp thin film modules, recently introduced in the U.S.