First Solar (FSLR 2.17%) is harnessing the West Texas sun for its latest project. The company announced that it has started the construction of the first phase of its Barilla Solar Project, located in Pecos County. It will not only build the facility, it will be its sole operator. The company added, however, that it might eventually consider selling it to an outside party.
Barilla is a 22-megawatt facility that is slated to come onstream in a relatively short stretch of time. First Solar said it expects the project to start commercial operation in the middle of this year.
The plant's output will be offered to customers in the region. These include municipal utilities and local companies.
First Solar's stock rose slightly after the news was released. Although shares of well-known solar companies have rallied over the past year, First Solar's have advanced at a comparatively modest rate.
