This week, the company reported that it had signed a contract with AV Solar Ranch1 for 230 megawatts of photovoltaic power. The project, which is expected to be fully operational by 2013, is expected to generate enough electricity for 90,000 homes. The plant is expected to begin producing its first electricity in 2011.
"This agreement will help increase the amount of clean energy we provide to our customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said John Conway of Pacific Gas and Electric, which noted that more than 20 percent of its future energy development is expected to come from renewable sources.
Earlier this month, the utility announced that it had entered into contracts with BrightSource Energy to generate more than 1,300 megawatts of solar thermal power. Solar thermal applications have been gaining more ground in states like California and Arizona, with a number of projects planned to begin producing power over the next several years.
The solar energy plans announced in May are enough to power more than 500,000 homes, according to the utility.
