E.ON Climate & Renewables (EC&R) Solar has commissioned two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Tucson, Ariz., area with a combined total of 20 MWdc of solar capacity. Both projects have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Tucson Electric Power (TEP).
“We’re very pleased with how quickly the projects came together and especially appreciate the strong working relationship with Tucson Electric Power throughout development, construction and commissioning of the projects,” said Christophe Jurczak, President, EC&R Solar. “These are our maiden solar facilities in the U.S. and signal E.ON’s commitment to solar development in the U.S. market.”
“Solar-generating capacity in the United States continues to grow each year,” Congressman Ron Barber of Arizona said. “I am proud that Arizona is a solar leader with nearly 10,000 people employed in my state’s rapidly growing solar industry. I am among the many homeowners who have solar panels covering my roof and see the benefits of solar every month.”
Tech Park Solar (TPS), a 7MWdc project, was developed in collaboration with the Campus Research Corporation (CRC) at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park Solar Zone and TEP.
Valencia Solar, a 13-MWdc project came online in late June. Construction of the two facilities began in the second half of 2012.
“We’re excited that the TPS project supports a key research area of the University of Arizona with their emphasis on solar energy,” said Bill Thomas, Vice President, Development and Origination, EC&R Solar. “In addition we are able to support economic development, provide employment opportunities and contribute to TEP’s sustainability goals within the region.”
“We’ve been consistently impressed by E.ON. The company is bringing innovative single-axis and dual-axis tracking technologies to Tucson and their employees bring a depth of knowledge and technical expertise. They’re also very easy to work with and we would be pleased to working with them again in the future,” said Carmine Tilghman, TEP’s Director of Renewable Energy.
The Tech Park Solar and Valencia facilities, encompassing a combined 150 acres, will provide the local area with over $5 million in property taxes over the life of the project. More than 180 employees worked on the sites during the construction phase.
Components for the projects were provided by U.S. inverter manufacturer Eaton and tracker manufacturer Terrafix.
— Solar Builder magazine
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