Renewable energy could give Imperial County much-needed shot in the arm

At peak output the 941-acre facility should be able to produce enough electricity for 44,000 homes. Imperial County is betting on renewable energy jobs to spur its economy.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Wind turbines in the Ocotillo Wind project spin in the desert wind along Interstate 8 near Ocotillo, Calif.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Rows of photovoltaic panels stand on desert farmland in the Imperial Valley west of El Centro, Calif.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Rows of electricity transmission towers cross the Yuha Desert in western Imperial County. Additional lines are being constructed to deliver power from new solar-generation projects in nearby El Centro, Calif.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

New transmission tower foundations sit in the desert near Ocotillo, Calif., in Imperial County. The power links will deliver electricity from new solar-generating projects under construction nearby.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)