Concentrated solar power plant is largest in N. America

Four months after it began operation, the largest concentrated solar power plant in North America has now been officially commissioned.

The Hatch Solar Center, located in Hatch, New Mexico, has a generating capacity of five megawatts. Owned and operated by NextEra Energy Resources, the plant produces electricity that is sold to El Paso Electric under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The plant uses Amonix’ concentrated photovoltaic solar power systems — 84 units, each with a capacity of 60 kilowatts — which feature dual-axis tracking to maximize energy production throughout the day.

The facility’s sunny, dry location is “perfect” for the technology, according to Amonix CEO Brian Robertson. That enables the plant to generate “more energy per acre than any other solar technology,” he said.