US-based energy provider Dominion has acquired two stand-alone solar energy projects in south-west Tennessee with a combined output of 32MW.

The two projects, Mulberry farm and Selmer farm, are located in McNairy county near the town of Selmer and these are currently in late stage development by Strata Solar.

Construction of the projects is expected to begin shortly and the commercial operation is estimated to start by the end of 2014.

Grid connection will take place through facilities owned and operated by Pickwick Electric Cooperative.

Dominion said that all power and environmental attributes from two projects will be bought by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Dominion Generation CEO David A Christian said that this is another important addition to Dominion’s growing portfolio of solar energy.

Christian said, “We believe it is necessary to develop and maintain a diverse generation mix, ranging from traditional sources to renewable energy.

“These two projects strategically align with our regulated and unregulated generation portfolio. We are pleased to team up with TVA on the largest solar developments in Tennessee.”

Strata Solar will manage the engineering, procurement and construction as per the terms of the agreement. It will also handle ongoing operations and maintenance once the projects are operational.

With the latest acquisition, Dominion’s total solar generating portfolio has increased to 212MW.

Additionally, the company has 41MW of solar power facilities operating at sites in Georgia, Connecticut and Indiana, along with 139MW in projects under construction in California.

As part of its solar partnership programme, Dominion also has various projects under development in Virginia.