We know the importance of powering the grid of the future with clean, renewable energy from the sun. And this is the Valley of the Sun after all.
When it comes to solar, SRP is investing in utility-scale solar. Whether you’re renting, passing through or an Arizona resident for life, we want you to feel good about where your power comes from and the price you pay for it.
What is utility-scale solar?
Utility-scale solar means solar energy is distributed to participating customers from large-scale solar generation facilities versus customers generating their own solar via individual rooftop panels.
The primary benefits of utility-scale solar include the management and maintenance of the solar generation facilities by expert companies, as well as the ability to increase generation and allow multiple customers to receive power from the sun.
Advancing solar in the desert
Many have recognized the environmental benefits of solar energy. This is apparent from the amount of rooftop solar installed on customers’ homes, large business customers entering into solar agreements through our Sustainable Energy Offering, and customer participation in programs like SRP Solar Choice™ and SRP Solar for NonprofitsTM.
Here at SRP, one of the ways we are addressing the effects of climate change and achieving decarbonization is by implementing more solar. While great strides have been made to advance solar in Arizona, there’s also tremendous work yet to be done.
That’s why we are taking major steps toward a cleaner and greener future.
2,025 MW of solar power output by 2025
SRP is more than 60% of the way to achieving its goal of adding 2,025 megawatts (MW) of clean solar energy to the grid by 2025.
In 2021, we introduced the Sonoran and Storey energy centers, which are due to come online in 2023, and the development of our largest solar plant, CO Bar Solar. With multiple battery projects currently underway, we announced a new contract to add another battery storage system, which will bring our total battery storage to more than 1,000 MW by 2024.
Battery Storage
Have you ever wondered what happens to solar energy once it’s captured? Or what happens at nighttime or on a stormy day? While the sun provides an abundant source of clean energy, this energy needs to be immediately used or stored in large batteries.
That’s where large-scale battery storage systems come into play.
Signal Butte, alongside SRP’s other battery projects, will support the Valley’s growing energy needs.
West Line Solar
Partnering with the AES Corporation, SRP launched a new solar plant, West Line Solar, which will bring in 100 MW of solar power. Meta will receive 50 MW of solar energy from this plant, leaving 50 MW of available renewable energy that SRP will offer to residential and small business customers as part of its new solar offerings.
Adding more clean energy to the grid
In order to meet our aggressive carbon reduction goals, we made the historic decision to shut down Navajo Generating Station. While the closure of our largest coal plant was being planned, a new partnership with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) was underway.
Learn more about the Kayenta Solar generation facility.
Support the advancement of solar energy in the Valley
As you can see, SRP is in the process of greatly expanding our solar capabilities while keeping power reliable and affordable. In the meantime, we invite you to sign up for SRP Solar Choice – a new program that allows customers to offset their home’s electric use with clean energy from the sun.
