Arizona Public Service to Increase Size of Arizona Solar Facilities

The Arizona Public Service (APS, Phoenix, AZ) will nearly double the size of its solar facilities in Arizona over the next year to further reduce air emissions and advance the development of renewable energy. The recent expansion took place on Earth Day, April 22, to promote earth-smart technology.

APS plans to install 388kW at sites throughout Arizona in addition to the 172kW installation at the Glendale Airport and the recently completed 2kW installation atop the San Luis City Hall. The proposed sites are in Yuma, Prescott and east and west of the Phoenix area.

"With more than 350 days of sunshine per year, everyone recognizes that Arizona is the perfect place to develop and install solar-electric generation," said Ed Fox, Pinnacle West vice president of communications, environment and safety. "Currently, solar generation costs five times more than traditional non-renewable generation sources, but with the help of our customers, the increased demand will bring the price down."

APS currently has 1,300 solar partners who have helped fund the installation of more than 500kW of solar electricity in Arizona. Solar partners are APS customers who choose to purchase 15kW hour increments per month of solar electricity at an additional cost of $2.64 per increment.