First Solar just announced that it has signed a contract with Southern California Edison regarding the construction of 2 solar power projects in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Together, the projects will generate 550 MW of solar energy. When complete, they will produce 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year. As long as the projects are approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, construction is set to begin on the 250 megawatt Desert Sunlight installation in 2012, with the 300 megawatt Stateline project to follow in 2013. The installations are expected to be up and running by 2015. First Solar will handle procuring the supplies, engineering and construction.

In a press release, leaders from both companies discussed the projects:

“Southern California Edison is always looking for innovative ways to deliver clean power from renewable sources. First Solar is an excellent partner in helping us achieve our goals,” said Stuart Hemphill, SCE senior vice president, Power Procurement. “This agreement is good for our customers, for the industry and for the environment.”

“Supplying solar power to Southern California Edison and its customers advances our mission of providing clean, affordable and sustainable solar electricity,” said John Carrington, First Solar executive vice president, Marketing and Business Development. “These projects will help California reach its renewable energy goals, and are powerful examples of large-scale photovoltaic solar generation becoming a reality in the United States.”