Tempe, Ariz.-based First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) said today that it will build a 10 megawatt thin-film solar photovoltaic power plant for Sempra Generation near Boulder City, Nev.

Sempra Generation is a subsidiary of San Diego-based power utility Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

This will be Sempra Generation's first solar energy project. It will go up adjacent to the company's existing 480 MW El Dorado Energy natural gas-fired power plant. The cost of the new solar project was not disclosed.

"This new solar project is another step in Sempra Generation's long-range plan to emerge as a leading renewable energy developer," said Michael Allman, president and CEO of Sempra Generation. "The combination of Sempra Generation's experience in developing power generation projects in the region with First Solar's expertise in advanced, thin-film photovoltaic solutions is a natural fit."

Sempra Generation will be the developer for the project, and will own and operate the photovoltaic power plant when it's complete. Construction has already started, with the facility expected to be finished by the end of the year.

The solar modules to be used in this ground-mount project will be produced at First Solar's manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Sempra Generation said additional expansion phases for the solar facility are under consideration and that it's in the process of enlisting potential customers for the project's power.