new arizona solar plant designed to respond to summer surge

Construction is expected to begin later this year in the town of Arlington, Arizona on a large solar power plant that will have a unique battery component.
Arlington, with a population of less than 300 people, is located 40 miles west of Phoenix.

The project by First Solar, Inc., of Tempe will go up near the Arizona Public Service Company’s Red Hawk Power Plant on 363rd Avenue.

The centerpiece of the new facility will be a giant battery capable of delivering up to 50 megawatts of power, enough energy for around 12,500 homes for several hours a day, making it one of the largest battery storage systems in the country.

But the plant will also include the installation of solar panels with a total capacity of 65 megawatts.

The new plant will provide power to Arizona Public Service during the peak hours of 3 to 8 p.m., during a time when temperatures in the summer months can range between 110 and 120 degrees.

First Solar is based in Tempe and is a photovoltaic manufacturer and provider of photovoltaic power plants.

In a statement, Mark Widmar, chief executive officer of First Solar, said the Arlington project, which begins with a 15-year power purchase agreement with Arizona Public Service, will show the “capabilities of solar coupled with large-scale battery storage.”

“Together,” continued Widmar, “these technologies highlight the significant role for solar in providing reliable, cost-effective energy.”

By Garry Boulard

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