More than 150,000 California homes may be powered by solar energy in the coming years under a new plan being spearheaded by Pacific Gas & Electric.

This week, the utility announced the opening of a new solar array that will eventually become part of a 250-megawatt project that will see a number of other facilities developed in the state. The array, which can generate 20 megawatts of electricity, is called the Vaca-Dixon Solar Station.

"I applaud PG&E for its commitment to making a direct investment in clean, renewable solar energy generation that will help reduce our dependence on oil," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "This project will help us meet our long-term energy goals while creating jobs and keeping California on the leading edge of this booming industry."

Along with developing 250 megawatts of solar energy projects, Pacific Gas and Electric also expects independent entities to construct the same scale of facilities.

This particular project is expected to emphasize solar arrays that are 20 megawatts or smaller because these are seen as being easier to get through the regulatory process with. In total, the project will be able to provide electricity for about 150,000 typical homes.