Greentech Lead America: E.ON Climate & Renewables (EC&R) Solar has commissioned two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Tucson, Arizona area with a combined total of 20 megawatts (MWdc) of solar capacity.
For these projects, EC&R Solar has entered into long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Tucson Electric Power (TEP).
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 13MWdc project came online in late June. Construction of the two facilities began in the second half of 2012.
TPS project supports a key research area of the University of Arizona with their emphasis on solar energy. The company is also to support economic development, provide employment opportunities and contribute to TEP’s sustainability goals within the region.
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.