Solar Happenings

DOE Announces $27 Million in Projects to Advance Solar Development and Manufacturing

A California-based developer of large-scale solar energy projects has received environmental go-ahead to develop a solar thermal plant near Gila Bend, Az.

Arizona Public Service and SunEdison are partnering on two projects combining for 37 megawatts of solar energy production.

California's huge appetite for renewable energy continues to drive development of solar projects. Contracts for Concentrating Photovoltaics helps validate the CPV model for southwest climates.   Read>

Australian-based EnviroMission plans to construct a solar project in Western Arizona based on an innovative "Solar Tower" that uses virtually no water.

Tessera's Calico project - using Stirling Energy Systems dish technology - receives final approval from the Dept of the Interior 

Sempra Generation plans to build what could be North America's largest PV power plant east of Phoenix.  The electricity would be exported to California but would create construction and permanent jobs for Arizona.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world's largest producer of solar panels,  opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Goodyear, Arizona. The factory has an initial 30MW of annual capacity and will employ more than 75 operators, engineers and professionals by the end of 2010. Due to strong interest from customers, Suntech is already making plans to expand the facility to 50MW early next year and targets to employ more than 150 people by the end of 2011.

Power-One, Inc, a leading provider of inverters used in photovoltaic and wind energy applications, is opening a new manfuacturing facility in Phoenix.  Production will commence in October 2010.  The factory is expect to eventually support 350 jobs.  Read More

APS and Tucson-based SOLON are teaming to develop an 18MW solar generating plant in Gila Bend's new Solar Overlay Zone.