First Solar connects Luz del Norte to Chilean central grid

The first two blocks of the Luz del Norte solar project, headed by First Solar Inc., are now connected to the Chilean central grid, bringing the project to about half of its total 141-megawatt capacity.

“This exciting milestone is proof of how utility-scale solar is a viable energy alternative for Chile right now,” Cristian Sjogren, First Solar’s Chile country manager, said. “Luz del Norte harnesses one of the region’s richest resources, allowing Chile to reduce dependence on fossil-based fuels and meet renewable energy targets set by the national Energy Agenda.”

Construction of the Luz del Norte power plant -- the largest solar plant in Latin America -- commenced in August 2014 and is expected to be fully operational by January.

“We are proud to leverage our industry-leading expertise in project development, high energy yield PV [photovoltaic] technology, grid integration and energy asset management to create a truly remarkable renewable energy asset for Chile,” Joe Kishkill, First Solar’s president, said.

For more information about First Solar, visit www.firstsolar.com.