One of the largest photovoltaic solar projects in the world will be located in California to deliver 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually - enough to serve approximately 239,000 residential homes each year. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has entered into an agreement with Topaz Solar Farms LLC, a subsidiary of OptiSolar Inc., for 550 MW of thin-film PV solar power. The utility company also signed a contract with High Plains Ranch II, LLC, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation, for 250 MW of high-efficiency PV solar power.

The project which consists of two vast solar farms covering more than 12 square miles will contribute to San Luis Obispo County's and the State's objectives for clean, renewable energy sources. California's Renewable Portfolio Standard requires that utilities secure at least 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010. The State has also set a goal of increasing renewables to 33 percent by 2020.