First Solar announced Enbridge Inc. has entered into an agreement with First Solar for acquiring a 20 MW solar energy project located near Sarnia, Ontario.

The Sarnia solar project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, and is to be the largest PV solar power plant in North America. Generated power is expected to be enough to supply about 3200 average homes with clean electricity. The project uses First Solar's thin film technology, already deployed in more than 1000 MW worth of projects in Europe and the US.

Sarnia solar field, Ontario.

As part of the contract, First Solar will provide operations and maintenance services under a long-term contract. All of the generated power will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority, under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Enbridge is to participate with First Solar on future solar projects at the Sarnia site.

By acquiring this project, Enbridge now has a total of 260 MW in renewable energy capacity (including wind energy facilities), and now meets the 35% renewable power requirement of the company's Canadian crude oil mainline.