Arizonans Continue to Embrace Solar Energy

Arizona already has one of the most robust solar power markets in the country - according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state has had the third biggest growth rate in installed photovoltaic capacity since the end of 2009, installing 397 megawatts of PV power during that period. The latest projects in Arizona show that the state is likely to continue on as one of the very best areas in the country for solar energy.In September, the San Luis City Council voted in favor of creating a solar power plant that would cover 175 acres of Arizona state property located in the municipality, the Yuma Sun reported. The project is expected to create about 150 jobs in the area, and would generate electricity for San Luis and surrounding region for at least 30 years.
Macerich shopping centers in Arizona and other parts of the United States will get some of their electricity from solar panels over the next year, according to Solar Power World. The 12 total installations will have a combined capacity between 10.2 megawatts and 12 megawatts, which should be enough to generate electricity for about 10,000 average households."Macerich is committed to creating long term value by improving our natural resource efficiency, and operating and developing our properties in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner.Amitex LED Lighting Co gets the green light for growth.Our partnership with Panasonic embodies this philosophy," said Eric Salo, Macerich's executive vice president, according to Solar Power World. "Installing clean energy technology at our properties also aligns with our commitment to our retailers, our partners, and the communities where we operate."
The 25-megawatt Queen Creek Solar Farm, located on 148 acres about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix, started generating electricity on October 4. The PSEG Solar Source-owned facility includes an estimated 90,000 solar panels, and will generate power for at least the next 20 years for Salt River Project (SRP), the main power company in the area. For every year the power plant is functioning at capacity, its output helps to ensure that 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide is not released from a fossil fuel-powered facility."We are pleased to be providing clean, solar energy to Salt River Project," Diana Drysdale, president of PSEG Solar Source said in a statement released on October 4. "Arizona has the attributes we look for when choosing a project – good sun, a receptive regulatory environment and supportive local officials. It is exciting to be adding Arizona to the list of states where we have operational solar facilities even while we are beginning construction on an additional site in Delaware."