Wind Energy

Amonix Inaugurates 2 MW Solar Power Plant In Arizona

Amonix Inc., a designer and manufacturer of concentrated photovoltaic, or CPV, solar power systems, has unveiled a utility-scale solar energy 2 MW AC Nameplate power plant in the Solar Zone at the University of Arizona’s Science and Technology Park, or UASTP, that will produce enough energy to power more than 500 Tucson-area homes.

Powered by 36 Amonix concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, the 12-acre facility will offset more than 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year, while preserving the local environment by consuming no water during power production. As a result of Amonix’s partnership with Granite Construction, rapid installation ½ MW per day, post pedestal install was made possible.

"The Solar Zone is just one of many examples of the University of Arizona and Tucson Electric Power’s leadership in sustainability, renewable energy and solar," said Brian Robertson, Amonix CEO. "What makes the Solar Zone compelling is the focus on making it a home for high-performance commercialized solar equipment that offers significant advantages to developers of solar power plants. It also creates economic benefits, including clean energy jobs and clean power, for the residents of Southern Arizona."

Amonix’s system is the first in a series of privately owned, utility-scale solar power projects that are being developed in the Tucson area to serve Tucson Electric Power (TEP) customers. TEP has agreed to purchase the output of 10 systems, which would add a total of 127 MW of local solar generating capacity to the company’s growing renewable energy portfolio. TEP is also developing its own solar power systems, including a 1.6 MW array which was completed last year in the Solar Zone.

The solar power plant was developed through a partnership between Amonix, the University of Arizona Science & Technology Park and TEP, which has a 20-year agreement to purchase the facility’s electricity.

www.amonix.com/