Generating Solar power
SRP has three primary avenues for generating solar power: partnering with communities and businesses, SRP owned facilities, and SRP subsidized customer-owned systems through the EarthWise Solar Energy program. Together, these three generating avenues send close to 2.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power to the grid each year, or enough energy to power 195 homes.
Phoenix Pecos Park and Ride (2004): 101.6 kW
In cooperation with the City of Phoenix, SRP has installed two PV systems at the Phoenix Pecos Park and Ride Facility. The primary system utilizes the tops of two of the parking structure canopies for mounting of solar modules. In addition modules are installed on the roof of the Park and Ride Security Building.
City of Mesa Red Mountain Library (2004): 24 kW
In a cooperative effort with the City of Mesa, SRP designed and installed a solar power covered parking system at the Red Mountain Library. These systems utilize a newer, flexible, thin-film technology that is attached to the canopy structure using an adhesive. While these "peel and stick" modules are lower in efficiency, they are more durable and less susceptible to damage. These systems are owned, operated and maintained by SRP at a site owned by the City of Mesa.
Altier Federal Credit Union (2004): 3.0 kW
SRP installed a demonstration system on the roof of the Altier Credit Union to test a new non-intrusive PV installation system from PowerLight Corporation of Berkeley, CA. There are 48 interlocking modules that utilize a perimeter weighting system. The mounting brackets utilize the weight of the system rather than roof penetration. SRP owns, operates and maintains the system.
Chandler House(1995): 3.0 kW
SRP installed its first residential system on the Chandler Research House in 1995 in a collaborative effort with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). In 2005 a second system was installed to demonstrate the process a typical homeowner might experience when purchasing and installing a system through the EarthWise Energy™ program.
South Mountain Community College (1999): 1.8 kW
SRP installed this system as a demonstration project and part of an educational opportunity to integrate technology into the school curriculum. Data is available for use by the college for educational purposes. The system in owned, operated and maintained by SRP.
Scottsdale Community College (2000): 1.2 kW
This system was installed on the roof on the Physics Building. The modules are tilted 35 degrees from horizontal (the angle is dependant on the latitude of the location where the panels are installed). The system is owned, operated and maintained by the college.
Cesar Chavez High School (2001): 1.2 kW
SRP installed this system as an educational opportunity with PV technology. Data from the system is used by the school for educational purposes. SRP owns, operates, and maintains the system.
Rogers 1, 2 &3 (2003 and 2005): 400 kW
In 2003 SRP moved two 100 kW PV systems from the Santan Generating Station in Gilbert, AZ. In 2005 the Rogers PV system was expanded with an additional 200 kW of PV at Rogers 3. This new system incorporates a horizontal single axis tracking system. The tracker moves the modules in an east-west motion to follow the sun.
Agua Fria Solar (2001): 200 kW
This single axis tracking PV system was installed to provide renewable energy support to SRP's EarthWise Energy™ program. The system is located at the Agua Fria Generating Station and is operated and maintained by the station's operations staff.
SRP Tempe Service Center Warehouse (2005): 75.0 kW
SRP's largest rooftop system to date was installed at the new Tempe Service Center Warehouse. The free standing mounting structure requires no roof penetrations or system ballast, and can withstand winds up to 100 mph.
Coronado Generating Station Solar (2005): 20 kW
Continuing an effort to install and demonstrate PV power systems at SRP facilities, we installed a system on the canopy structure at the south end of the PERA Building at the Coronado Generating Station. The solar energy produced by the system will offset the auxiliary power requirements of the plant.
Arizona Falls Solar (2003): 2.5 kW
Arizona Falls is a low-impact hydro-electric facility which incorporates part of a retired hydroelectric plant originally built circa 1911. Solar panels mounted on the shade structure further enhance clean energy production at the site, where even the ceiling fans are powered by the sun.
At SRP, we know few things are as integral to our lives as the sun. It lights our sky, warms our bodies, and now can power your home or business. Launched in 2004, EarthWise Solar Energy is a program designed to help reduce the cost of installing a new solar electric or solar water heating system for your home or business. The goal of the program is to encourage investment and interest in solar power - an emissions-free and inexhaustible source of energy. To find out more, please visit www.srpnet.com/solar.
(Residential Application) (Commercial Application)
SRP is part of a consortium of energy companies requesting proposals to build a solar thermal power plant. The proposed plant would generate 250 MW of electricity.