Siemens to Build Backup Solar Plant for Utilities

Siemens Solar Industries in Camarillo said it has received a contract to design and build the first commercial photovoltaic solar electric power plant specifically for use as a backup for electric utilities that might become overloaded. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Construction of the plant is scheduled to begin soon at the Pacific Gas & Electric site in Kerman, near Fresno, Siemens said. The plant--jointly funded by PG&E;, the federal Department of Energy, the Electric Power Research Institute and nine other electric utilities and government agencies--will be capable of generating 500 kilowatts of power, which is equivalent to the amount of power needed for 300 households on a peak summer day.