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Mon, March 12, 2012

NextEra Energy Resources Completes Acquisition of Ontario Solar Projects from First Solar


Published on 2012-03-12 05:18:51 - Market Wire
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JUNO BEACH, Fla. & TEMPE, Ariz.--([ ])--NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the competitive energy subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE), and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq:FSLR) today announced the completion of NextEra Energy Resourcesa acquisition of two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects totaling 40 megawatts (AC) in Ontario, Canada from First Solar.

"We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of our initial Canadian solar projects. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to add fully contracted renewable assets to our portfolio"

The projects, located in St. Clair, were designed, developed and constructed by First Solar, using its advanced thin film PV modules, and began commercial operation in February, 2012. The two projects are owned and operated by subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resourcesa Canadian subsidiary, NextEra Energy Canada, ULC, and provide enough power to serve about 6,440 homes. Each year the solar generation is expected to help avoid nearly 45,000 tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of removing nearly 8,600 cars from the road every year for the life of the projects. The power is being sold to the Ontario Power Authority via long-term contracts under its Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP).

aWe are pleased to have completed the acquisition of our initial Canadian solar projects. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy to add fully contracted renewable assets to our portfolio,a said NextEra Energy Resourcesa Senior Vice President of Development Mike OaSullivan. aSolar power will help promote a clean-energy economy in Ontario and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.a

aThe completion of the St. Clair projects helps Ontario meet its economic and renewable energy goals,a said Peter Carrie, First Solar Vice President for Business Development, Canada. aThe projects employed 800 construction workers, including local First Nations workers, and are the first large-scale solar facilities permitted under the Province's Renewable Energy Approval process.a

NextEra Energy Resources

NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, "NextEra Energy Resources"), is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest competitive energy suppliers in North America, operating in 23 states and Canada. NextEra Energy Resources is the largest generator in North America of renewable energy from the wind and sun, owning and operating approximately 8,569 megawatts of wind and 158 megawatts of solar power at the end of 2011. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet, which is the third largest in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit [ www.NextEraEnergyResources.com ].

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fueled generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit [ www.firstsolar.com ].

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

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