An Irvine-based unit of Edison International is exiting a joint venture to develop sites to produce solar energy.
Edison Mission Group, part of the Rosemead-based power company, is quitting a deal to develop a dozen solar farms with First Solar Inc. of Tempe, Ariz.
First Solar said it bought Edison’s stake in the partnership.
First Solar said it plans to continue the project, which was formed in 2008. It seeks to build solar farms that can provide anywhere from 20 megawatts to 150 megawatts.
A megawatt can power about 1,000 homes.
Edison Mission Group runs or invests in power-generation plants, including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal and nuclear power.
California has stiffened standards for utilities to meet power generation requirements through renewable energy sources.
Last summer, Rosemead-based Southern California Edison, which provides power to most of Orange County, contracted with First Solar to develop a pair of large-scale solar projects.
Described as some of the biggest of its kind, the facilities are expected to generate enough power to supply 170,000 homes.
Both projects are scheduled to be completed in 2015 and aren’t expected to be impacted by Edison Mission Energy’s exit from its venture with First Solar.
