Pima's solar power could double under 4 new project plans (AZ)

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/246095

Solar-power generation in Pima County would more than double by the end of the year — and could more than double again the following year — if the city of Tucson, the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base attract bidders for four large solar projects.

The two largest projects — a photovoltaic array on up to 350 acres at the base and a similar-sized array at the city's water recharge site in Avra Valley — would each generate at least 1 megawatt (a million watts) of power initially.

In all, the three governments are planning a minimum of 3.1 megawatts of solar generation, which could eventually grow to 10 or more megawatts. Currently, about 1,500 kilowatts of power (1.5 megawatts) are generated from solar panels in Pima County.

Most of the projects would be power-purchase agreements, in which contractors would build and own the systems. They could claim tax and environmental credits and recoup costs with the sale of power to the governmental entity.

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