Solar energy: SRP’s commitment to the future

Advancing solar energy in Arizona

Homes and businesses across the Valley have long relied on more traditional power plants for energy. As we move toward a more sustainable future, SRP is developing renewable resources, including utility-scale solar projects.  
 
As part of our goal, we recently doubled our commitment to solar energy. We’re planning to add 2,025 megawatts (MW) to the grid by the year 2025. That’s enough to power 1.5 million homes. By 2025, almost half the energy SRP delivers to the Valley will be clean. 

Solar energy resources for customers

SRP is taking steps to minimize our environmental impact and helping our customers do the same. We offer a variety of programs and resources that can help you or your business get started with solar power.  

How much solar and battery storage does SRP have?

For more than 10 years, SRP has steadily been investing in utility-scale solar energy to meet the clean energy demands of our customers. Recently, advancements in state-of-the-art battery storage have allowed SRP to extend the life of solar to meet energy demand during peak hours of the day and at night. 

Utility-scale battery storage  

SRP is investing not just in utility-scale solar systems but also in utility-scale storage systems. Since 2019, SRP has been investing in energy storage. Our projects include: 

• 25 MW Bolster Substation Battery System at the Agua Fria Generating Station in Glendale 
• 10 MW battery storage integrated with 20 MW solar system at the Pinal Central Solar Energy Center in Casa Grande 
• 10 MW Dorman battery storage system stand-alone battery storage system in Chandler 

We also have approximately 150 MW of energy storage via pump-back capability at both Mormon Flat and Horse Mesa dams. These systems effectively act as large batteries, pumping water uphill when energy costs are low and running the water through turbines when the energy is needed the most. 

By scaling our capability to store solar energy, we’ll be prepared to supply power on overcast days, during storms and at night.  

Debunking myths around solar energy

Myth #1: Solar is too expensive.

Like all new technologies, the price of solar panels was initially more costly. However, as production continues to improve and increase, prices are becoming more reasonable. The federal government also helps offset costs with federal tax incentives for new installations.

Myth #2: Solar panels don’t work on cloudy days or if it snows. 

In the same way you can get sunburned on cloudy days, solar panels still absorb the sun’s rays when it’s overcast. They just aren’t as efficient. The technology is improving, however. Many panels are now bifacial, which means they can produce power from both sides of the panel – absorbing rays directly from the sun and those that reflect off rooftops, etc.

Myth #3: We can replace all power plants with solar.   

Maybe one day! For now, traditional power sources play a critical role in supporting solar energy systems, ensuring a reliable supply of power at times when solar plants cannot supply the energy needed by our customers, like at night or during hours of peak demand, which occur in the late afternoon and early evening when solar production is significantly lower.

Myth #4: Rooftop solar should be the focus of sustainable energy efforts.  

SRP has always relied on a diverse resource mix to serve our customers. Residential solar alone cannot power the grid. But Valley residents can feel good knowing that SRP is developing large-scale solar projects that will allow our entire grid to generate, store and use more solar energy.  

Join us in our carbon reduction goal  

Join SRP in creating a more sustainable future.