Apple looks to power California footprint with 25-year solar deal


First Solar and Apple announced a 25-year deal to provide Apple 130-megawatt solar energy. Apple has committed $848 million to the project that's known as California Solar Flats. In total the solar array is expected to generate about 280 megawatts with the balance being sold to PG&E utilit company.

Apple said it expects the deal will generate enough electricity to power or offset power used for its corporate offices, including the new "space ship" HQ, and retail stores.

In a release, the companies said they expect that over time the investment will result in cost savings in addition to clean, renewable energy. In a conference call CEO Tim Cook said, "We're thrilled to continue on the course of leaving the world better than we found it."