Arizona Public Service to Erect Demo Solar Panels in Tempe Beach Park

The 25 acre Beach Park in Tempe Arizona will sport solar panels and produce clean energy. The solar project is undertaken by Arizona Public Service as a top profile demo project to support the use of clean renewable energy.

The site was chosen by the utility under a statewide contest to place solar panels in prominent areas and Tempe Beach Park is just right in attracting around one million visitors every year.

The solar panels will substitute a shady structure that is presently wrapped up with a blue canvas close to the splash pad play area. The proposed new structure will have river rock pylons to support the solar panels and the tables will be placed below it to make it a gathering area. Proper display boards will be placed to depict how sun energy is converted in to electric power. The panels will be placed in such a way so as to provide maximum view to the visitors from outside. The installation of the panels is anticipated to commence soon and will be commissioned on April 22 to commemorate Earth Day.

Tempe city is expected to expend around $50,000 to meet nearly 38% of the total cost. The balance amount will be received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The installed solar panels will generate electric power worth $1,643 every year, which will be utilized to power some of the equipment utilized in the park.