By Herman K. Trabish | GreenTech Media
Construction has resumed on First Solar’s 230-megawatt solar power plant in Antelope Valley.
Concerns about management of dust from Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One (AVSR1) have been resolved, according to First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) Global Communications Director Steve Krum.
A brush fire in the earliest phase of operation and later concerns about electrical safety of First Solar’s PV panels have led to slowdowns in development.
In response to notices in April from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) and the County of Los Angeles, some construction had been stopped on the last phase of the facility although it continued to generate electricity from the 150-megawatt portion already completed.
Complaints of fugitive dust from the AVSR1 site became of concern with reports of a spike in cases of Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis). Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in desert region soil and can cause pneumonia when breathed with wind-borne dust. When recognized, antifungals usually address the condition.
