Utility firm Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced Friday it made a deal for 230 megawatts of solar photovoltaic power with a subsidiary of NextLight Renewable Power.

The Antelope Valley, California project - which may generate 592 gigawatt-hours annually - is expected to begin deliveries in 2011 and operate fully in 2013, the companies said. It would be enough to power about 90,000 California homes.

Solar photovoltaic modules convert sunlight directly into electricity.

The project will provide cost-effective electricity to PG&E's customers, create jobs and local economic benefits for the Antelope Valley, and contribute to California's renewable energy goals, said Frank DeRosa, chief executive officer of NextLight.

All utilities in California are required to obtain 33 percent of their energy power from renewable energy sources by 2020, under an executive order signed by governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008.

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