(Australia-NewsWire.Com, November 10, 2012 ) Port Melbourne, Australia- Arizona has been one of the leaders in the acceptance of solar power since the inception of the technology. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state has now seen the third largest growth rate in installed photovoltaic capacity since the end of 2009, installing 297 megawatts of PV power during the three-year period.
The latest projects in Arizona underscore the states likelihood of continuing to expand its solar energy prominence.
The San Luis City Council voted in September, and came out in favor of creating a solar power plant that could cover 175 acres of Arizona state property within the immediate area. The project should create as many as 150 jobs within the community, and would generate enough electricity for San Luis and the surrounding region for a minimum of 30 years.
Solar energy via solar panels will also be implemented in the Macerich shopping centers and other selected areas in the state. Solar Power World says those additions should come within the next year. Twelve total installations will have a 10.2 megawatts and 12 megawatts capacity, and that should generate enough power for 10,000 households.
"Macerich is committed to creating long term value by improving our natural resource efficiency, and operating and developing our properties in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner. Our partnership with Panasonic embodies this philosophy,” said Eric Solar, Macerich's executive vice president, according to Solar Power World. "Installing clean energy technology at our properties also aligns with our commitment to our retailers, our partners, and the communities where we operate."
The 25-megawatt Queen Creek Solar Farm has recently begun generating electricity, and the PSEG Solar Source-owned facility has nearly 90,000 solar panels. That will generate power for the next 20 years for Sal River Project (SRP), which is the main company in the area. The true bonus of the facility is that for every year it functions properly, its output ensures that 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide has not been released through other forms of energy use.
"We are pleased to be providing clean, solar energy to Salt River Project," Diana Drysdale, president of PSEG Solar Source said in a statement released on October 4. "Arizona has the attributes we look for when choosing a project – good sun, a receptive regulatory environment and supportive local officials. It is exciting to be adding Arizona to the list of states where we have operational solar facilities even while we are beginning construction on an additional site in Delaware."
About ShineonSolar.com.au: ShineonSolar.com.au (http://www.shineonsolar.com.au/) allows people to harness the power of the sun with ShineOn’s solar panels. Information regarding solar panel basics, as well as the products, process, and costs of the green technology can be found at the Shineon Solar website.