NV Energy signs agreement to buy power from solar plant

Local power utility NV Energy has signed a purchasing agreement to buy electricity from a 37.5-megawatt solar plant 20 miles north of Las Vegas.

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures of Spain will build the plant, a photovoltaic-panel solar station called Spectrum Solar.

The deal's terms are for 25 years, but the parties didn't disclose a purchase price for the power.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada must approve the agreement.

Spectrum Solar would be able to power more than 7,000 homes in Clark County. Construction is scheduled to begin as early as 2011, with a scheduled completion date sometime in late 2012.

Nevada law requires NV Energy to obtain 25 percent of its power from renewable resources by 2025.

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures already operates the 14-megawatt solar array at Nellis Air Force Base.

Contact reporter Jennifer Robison at jrobison@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512.