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Mammoth Solar PV Plant Planned for California by Staff Sustainable Business, April 15, 2011

Renewable energy developers Pegasus Energy announced they intend to build a 400-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Alameda County California.

The "Mountain House Solar Farm" would cover roughly 2,000 acres and provide electricity for 250,000 homes. It would be the largest solar plant (PV or solar thermal) in the US.

The developers plan to develop, finance, own and operate the facility.

Pegasus has applied to the California Independent System Operator for a connection to the statewide electricity grid, and will soon file an application with Alameda County planners for a conditional-use permit, according to the Contra Costa Times.

The developers hope to break ground in 1Q13 and sell power to PG&E, which has substations a few miles away.

The project is expected to create between 350 and 400 solar energy jobs during construction and 40-60 permanent jobs upon completion.

Pegasus said it wants to use 1603 grant money approved as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment act. The grant funds expire at the end of this year, but the company said it believes the grant funds will be extended until January 1, 2013.