In order to pull out of the solar energy development business, Edison Mission Group (EMG) had to sell of a string of projects already under way. Thin-film industry darling First Solar (FSLR), the integrator with whom EMG had been working, bought the whole set for an undisclosed number. Stocks have suffered a bit in the wake of the surprise decision. EMG is leaving solar development for wind projects, not for financial reasons, and with more than 10 GW of solar assets under the group’s belt, they’ll still be very much on the scene.

First Solar has done a remarkable job growing from a start-up to a force to be reckoned with, but its strengths have been technology and financing–not project development. However, last year the company did take over the development of projects in the OptiSolar pipeline when OptiSolar was struggling. (Though as the Motley Fool points out, First Solar was forced to abandon a 150 MW solar project on public land in Colorado just last month.)

Renewable Energy World reports:

The EMG projects that First Solar is acquiring are sited largely on private land, range from 20 to 150MW, and are not yet contracted with utilities. First Solar and EMG have worked together since 2008 on the EMG projects, with First Solar providing engineering, procurement and construction services while EMG was responsible for land acquisition and permitting.

Now First Solar will handle all development for these projects, including permitting.

There are about a dozen projects in the pipeline that range from 20 MW to 150 MW, and First Solar told the Wall Street Journal that the company is excited to take on this development effort. Just last month, the Tempe, Arizona based company announced it had broken 1 GW production and this year will be aiming for 1.8 GW capacity.