SunPower to Build (15 MW) Solar Power System at Luke Air Force Base (AZ)

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR2153.htm

SunPower Corporation has signed an agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS) to design and construct a 15-megawatt (AC) solar photovoltaic power system at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011, it is expected to be the largest solar power installation at a U.S. government facility.

Approximately 550 local jobs will be created during construction. Construction is expected to commence in January once environmental assessments, permitting and site preparation is complete.

"Installed on 101 acres of underutilized land, this system will generate the equivalent of 50 percent of the annual energy requirements for Luke Air Force Base," said Air Force Lt. Col. John Thomas, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron commander at Luke. "Benefits of the project to the American taxpayers include no initial out-of-pocket expenses to the Air Force, significant long-term savings on electricity costs, and the increased energy independence associated with using reliable, emission-free solar power."

"APS is committed to building a sustainable future, which includes the expansion of our renewable energy portfolio," said Brad Albert, general manager of Renewable Energy and Resource Acquisition of APS. "This plant will not only bring more clean renewable energy to the grid, but will also create jobs during its construction."

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