Santa Margarita solar power plan would link Temecula, SDSU and others

A complex deal is taking shape to tap the power of the sun to cut Temecula’s operating costs and get rid of a fire hazard and an environmental nuisance.

The deal, which has received a green light from the Temecula City Council, is being touted as a unique arrangement in the region.

“This is the first one that I’m familiar with,” said Greg Butler, Temecula’s assistant city manager. “It’s a neat project, but it wasn’t easy to put together.”

The deal breaks new ground because of the number of players, the partnership between an array of agencies and investors, and the possibility that it might be...