Solar energy continues to make dramatic progress in California, with the most recent development involving a photovoltaic power plant in San Luis Obispo that will see its capacity broadened.

According to an announcement from SunPower Corp., it has reached a deal with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) that will add 40 megawatts of capacity to the planned solar energy facility.

In August 2008, the two entities reached an accord for 210 megawatts, and under the current deal that figure now stands at 250 megawatts.

The first phase of this project is expected to begin operation in 2011, and SunPower indicated that it has also been working with the local community to minimize traffic and disruptions to the ecosystem while construction is underway.

"The California Valley Solar Ranch will generate pollution-free solar power that is competitive with new, conventional peak power. Our incremental 40-MW agreement with PG&E provides more visibility into our power plant pipeline in 2011 and beyond," said Howard Wenger of SunPower.

SunPower also noted that it currently has more than 550 megawatts of solar energy projects installed or under contract around the world.