New Owner for Antelope Valley Solar Project

The developer of a proposed solar power project outside of Lancaster has been acquired by a solar module company in a deal worth $285 million. The purchase of NextLight Renewable Power LLC is the latest by First Solar Inc. as part of its strategy to acquire companies with projects already in development. NextLight has a total of 1,100 megawatt projects, including the 230-megawatt AV Solar Ranch One west of Lancaster that will provide up to 20 full-time jobs when operating. Success in the solar market requires meeting all phases of a project, from development, module manufacturing, engineering and construction, and operations and maintenance, said First Solar CEO Rob Gillette. “NextLight has assembled a project pipeline that very much complements First Solar’s project portfolio,” Gillette said. “We are looking forward to having the highly experienced NextLight team join First Solar.” Mark R. Madler