First Solar Inc. has announced the sale of a 30 megawatt photovoltaic solar energy project to two companies that will begin construction in the next month so it is completed by the end of the year.

The photovoltaic project, which is called the Cimarron I Solar Project, will be developed in New Mexico adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch for the Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy. It will utilize more than 500,000 solar photovoltaic modules that will be manufactured by the solar energy company using their advanced thin film technology.

The project will provide solar energy to almost 9,000 homes and displace 45,000 tons of CO2 annually

"The Cimarron I project is yet another example of First Solar's capability to realize utility-scale solar projects," said Rob Gillette, First Solar's CEO. "Combining the required technology, manufacturing, project development and EPC expertise enables First Solar to be a leader in sustainable energy development."

First Solar will also provide both operation and maintenance services for the project over the duration of a 25-year contract. It is also expected to create approximately 200 jobs during its construction.