APS-Owned Paloma Solar Power Plant Now Online

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) and First Solar announced today the completion of the 17 megawatt (MW) Paloma Solar Power Plant – the first facility to reach commercial operation as part of the AZ Sun Program.

Earlier this week, APS also placed the Cotton Center Solar Plant in commercial operation, the second AZ Sun facility to come online. Cotton Center added an additional 17 MW to the AZ Sun Program. Both plants are located in Gila Bend.

Through the first phase of the AZ Sun Program, APS is investing in the development of 100 MW of turn-key, utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plants across Arizona. Third-party partners, such as Tempe-based First Solar, develop and construct the AZ Sun facilities, which APS will own and operate upon completion. The four-year program is expected to have 100 MW online by 2014 and create more than 1,000 Arizona construction jobs.

“Solar energy is a critical part of our planning to meet the energy needs of APS customers. Our customers embrace solar power, just as we do. That’s why we are so proud of the Paloma facility and our AZ Sun program – we are developing large solar plants that take the amount of solar we provide to customers to a new level,” said Don Robinson, APS president and COO. “We are also generating more than power from our solar development efforts – we’re creating jobs.”

More than 700 construction jobs were created this year in Arizona as a result of the AZ Sun Program. Paloma contributed 300 of those jobs.

Paloma consists of 275,000 thin-film photovoltaic panels mounted on fixed-tilt steel supports. This installation marks the first time APS is using thin-film technology for one of its solar plants. This project also is the first on which APS has worked with First Solar.

“Paloma is the culmination of a successful partnership between APS, Gila Bend and First Solar,” said Jim Lamon, First Solar senior vice president of engineering, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance. “First Solar’s efficient and innovative engineering and construction process, along with APS’s leadership and Gila Bend’s commitment in the renewable arena, led to this facility setting development records.”