Farella Braun + Martel Represents First Solar in Significant Solar Farm Acquisition

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 9, 2009:  Farella Braun + Martel represented Topaz Solar Farms LLC, a subsidiary of First Solar, Inc., in its acquisition of the Carrizo Solar Energy Farm, a planned solar project by Ausra, Inc. in San Luis Obispo County, Calif.  The deal enhances First Solar's Topaz Solar Farm project development assets, including land options, on the Carrizo Plain.  This acquisition will help First Solar secure regulatory approval for its nearby 550-megawatt, 4,200-acre solar farm called the Topaz Solar Farm project.

"The acquisition of the project assets of the Carrizo Solar Energy Farm, including the land options, will help First Solar secure the County's approval for the Topaz Solar Farm," said David Stoll, a partner at Farella Braun + Martel.  "The acquisition provides First Solar with more prime land to work with for its Topaz Solar Farm and reduces the overall development impact on the County."

As a result of this deal, First Solar will be able to offer a reconfigured Topaz Solar Farm site plan for consideration with reduced impacts on issues of concern, such as preserving farmland, water usage and wildlife.

Farella's involvement in the Topaz Solar Farm project dates back to its origins with OptiSolar, which sold its project portfolio to First Solar in March.  The firm's legal team for First Solar's Carrizo Plain acquisition included Corporate Partners David Stoll and Philip Peters, Corporate Associates Ryan Lowther and Philip Milestone, Environmental Law Partners David Lazerwitz and John Gregory, and Real Estate Senior Associate Karen Jue.

Farella Braun + Martel represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in sophisticated business transactions and high-stakes commercial, civil and criminal litigation. Founded in 1962, the firm is headquartered in San Francisco and maintains an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry. Farella Braun + Martel lawyers are known for their imaginative legal solutions, dynamism and intellectual creativity. With an unwavering service ethic and interdisciplinary team approach, the firm is committed to advancing clients' objectives in the most effective, coordinated and efficient manner. Farella Braun + Martel is a green business.

Contacts:

Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811
[email protected] / [email protected]

Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433
[email protected]