By Kari Williamson

The solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, which represents a US$2 billion investment, is being built in San Luis Obispo County, California.

"MidAmerican is the No. 1 owner of wind-powered energy generation among U.S. rate-regulated utilities. Adding solar energy to our generation portfolio is a strategic move to invest in yet another renewable energy source," says Greg Abel, Chairman, President and CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.

First Solar will construct, operate and maintain the Topaz solar PV project for MidAmerican. Construction began in November 2011 and is expected to be complete by early 2015. Pacific Gas and Electric Company will purchase the electricity from Topaz under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

The project will create approximately 400 construction jobs and 15 ongoing operations and maintenance jobs.