sPower, a renewable energy provider, announced that it has broken ground on a 22.5MW solar project in Lancaster, California. The Sierra Solar project is sPower’s first in Los Angeles County.

“sPower is pleased to help Los Angeles County meet its goal to become a leader in renewable energy in a cost-effective and environmentally-responsible manner,” said Ryan Creamer, sPower’s CEO. “The Sierra Solar approval process required significant time and effort from everyone involved. We appreciate LA County’s collaboration and expect to build on this first success going forward.”

The EPC contract was awarded to Rosendin Electric, which will install more than 250,000 First Solar photovoltaic modules in a fixed ground mount array. The project is expected to begin commercial operation in September 2015.

When fully operational, the Sierra Solar facility will generate enough clean, renewable energy for more than 2,500 homes and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 28,000 metric tons annually – the equivalent of CO2 emissions from 65,000 barrels of oil consumed each year1. The project has a 20-year PPA with Southern California Edison (SCE).