APS to Install 18-MW Solar Photovoltaic Plant in Arizona

APS (Arizona Public Service) is all set to install an 18-MW solar PV (photovoltaic) plant in Arizona. This facility will represent another step forward for the company’s solar energy development efforts. The proposed solar plant would be located at a distance of 70 miles in the southwestern direction of Phoenix under the Gila Bend area.

APS will own this plant having its site under the town’s solar overlay zone. For the upcoming solar photovoltaic projects, the municipality has already designated a separate geographic area for the purpose of a specialized fast-track permitting district. Within a three-month time period, permitting will take place in this area unlike the typical time of one or two years. By way of locating this new project well within the solar zone boundaries, it is possible for the construction to begin by early 2011 while the completion date has been scheduled for November 2011.

SOLON Corporation has been selected by APS as the project developer. This project enables in continuing the efforts of APS towards building upon its renewable energy resources portfolio while also helping Arizona to utilize and tap its vast solar resources, thus benefitting the end customer ultimately.