PNM & First Solar Sign to Install 22MW of Utility-Scale Solar Power in New Mexico

PNM, New Mexico's largest electric utility, has signed a contract with First to construct 22MW of utility scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in New Mexico. First Solar, Tempe, Ariz., will construct the facilities using its advanced PV panels at five separate sites within PNM's service territory. PNM says the 22MW can produce enough power to supply 7,000 average-sized New Mexico homes. The specifics of that plan, to be filed with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) on Jan. 25, call for a total of 45 MW of utility scale solar PV to be added to PNM's system in the 2010-2011 timeframe.