2 California solar-power projects to be acquired by Virginia firm

Energy giant Dominion has agreed to acquire two California solar projects from a San Diego renewable energy developer.

The projects are expected to come online next year, Dominion, based in Richmond, Va., said in announcing the deal Monday.

The 24-megawatt Cottonwood project is expected to open in the first half of 2015, Dominion said. The project consists of photovoltaic solar panels at three locations in Kings, Kern and Marin counties.

The 18-megawatt Catalina Solar 2 photovoltaic-panel project, spanning 270 acres in Kern County, should be up and running in the second quarter of next year, the company said.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Assn., the current national average of homes that can be powered by a megawatt of solar photovoltaics is 164.

Dominion is purchasing the projects from EDF Renewable Energy of San Diego. The companies did not disclose a purchase price. Dominion said the deal should close next year.

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