A plan to build Topaz Solar Farm in San Luis Obispo jolted back to life March 2 when an Arizona solar company announced it had acquired multiple large solar projects from OptiSolar, a Hayward-based solar panel manufacturer.
 

OptiSolar had planned to build utility-scale projects but was forced to lay off 300 people when it failed to find financing for its factory and projects.

The $400 million, all-stock deal could result in 400 new jobs in California, according to a statement from First Solar, a Tempe-based manufacturer of photovoltaic solar modules that purchased OptiSolar’s project portfolio.

Under the deal, First Solar said it would build a 550-megawatt solar plant in San Luis Obispo that OptiSolar had agreed to construct for Pacific Gas & Electric. If it gains approval from state regulators, the plant would be fully operational by 2013.

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