Xcel Energy, SunPower to build (17 MW) solar power plant in Colorado

[jpak]

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2263338/

Apr 08, 2009 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- XEL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Xcel Energy and solar cell manufacturer SunPower have announced an agreement to build a 17MW AC photovoltaic solar power plant in Colorado's Alamosa County.

The company has said that the solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant is expected to be complete by the end of 2010.

The plant will use SunPower Tracker systems, which reportedly generate up to 30% more energy per land area than conventional systems and reduce land-use requirements. SunPower Trackers tilt toward the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing energy capture and providing more power on hot summer days when utilities need it most.

Tom Werner, CEO of SunPower, said: "Today, high-efficiency solar PV technology is competitively priced for power plant applications. It is fast to install, and reliably delivers clean power, particularly during peak demand hours.

<more>