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SRP to Receive More Renewable Energy from CO Bar Solar

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One of the largest solar projects in the U.S. to operate in 2025.

Salt River Project (SRP) and Clēnera, an Enlight Company, have announced a power purchase agreement for an additional 394 megawatts (MW) of clean energy at CO Bar Solar outside of Flagstaff. This is the second agreement executed between Clēnera and SRP at the CO Bar Solar complex, and with both agreements, SRP has now procured nearly 1,000 MW, or 1 gigawatt (GW), of power from the project. Once operational in 2025, CO Bar Solar will offset more than 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

“This is not only the largest solar plant in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States, but it will also be the most significant solar resource in SRP’s energy portfolio,” said Jim Pratt, CEO of SRP. “SRP will be quadrupling the amount of utility-scale solar on our power system in just the next two years, with CO Bar Solar as a key part of this. Nearly half of all energy delivered to SRP customers will come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2025.”

CO Bar Solar is a 1.2 GW landmark solar and storage complex being developed by Clēnera, a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy. The project, which is expected to be one of the largest in the United States, will occupy up to 2,400 acres on Babbitt Ranches private land in Coconino County. Construction on CO Bar Solar is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is expected to reach commercial operation in phases throughout 2025.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with SRP again on CO Bar Solar and providing them with reliable, clean energy,” said Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight. “CO Bar represents a strategic project in Arizona, serving as a prime example of our approach to greenfield development that capitalizes on sizable interconnection positions.”

Jason Ellsworth, CEO at Clēnera, added: “We are excited to deliver increased access to affordable, clean renewable energy in Arizona. We look forward to a fruitful long-term relationship with SRP, as we continue to develop additional renewable energy projects in the state.”

Over the course of the CO Bar Solar construction timeline, approximately 550 construction jobs will be created, with many being local. Once complete, SRP will receive enough power from this resource to meet the needs of approximately 180,000 average-size homes.

“In our efforts to support the delivery of renewable energy, we acknowledge the terrific and wonderful participation of so many businesses and government entities involved in the process to make this happen,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “We appreciate the valuable input from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona State Land Department, Coconino County and everyone involved in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations.”

SRP officials say the utility has taken significant steps toward decarbonizing its power system while maintaining reliability and affordability. By the end of 2025, SRP expects to have more than 3,000 MW of renewables online. In addition to its renewable resource commitments, SRP has among the largest battery storage investments in the Western U.S., with over 1,100 MW of battery storage projects that will be online by the end of 2024. SRP officials say that with all the utility’s recent strategic resource additions and decisions, SRP is proving to achieve its sustainability goals. More than 75% of SRP’s energy is expected to come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2035. QCBN

Northern Arizona Solar Co-op Selects Rooftop Solar as the Group’s Provider

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Residents have until March 31 to join co-op for affordable solar and a resilient grid.

. Today, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced that members of the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op have selected Rooftop Solar to install solar panels for the 160-member group. Co-op members selected Rooftop Solar over five other providers through a competitive bidding process.

SUN will hold its final virtual public information session for the co-op on Wednesday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m. The free session will educate the Northern Arizona community about solar energy and the co-op process.

“We’re really excited to see so much community interest in solar,” said Derek Turner, vice president of sales and marketing for Rooftop Solar. “Rooftop Solar started in Flagstaff and has grown a lot in the last 10 years. Many of us were raised here and now raising families here. To be selected as the preferred installer by the community means a lot.”

Solar co-op members selected Flagstaff-based Rooftop Solar for their experience and location in Northern Arizona, as well as the company’s competitive pricing, equipment offerings, warranties, and financing options.

“We are looking forward to working with Rooftop Solar as the co-op’s chosen provider,” said Matt Nichols, a member of the co-op’s installer selection committee. “The selection process allowed me and others on the committee the opportunity to choose a provider that would be the best fit for our group in Northern Arizona.”

SUN expands access to solar by educating Arizona residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them to organize group solar purchases, strengthening Arizona solar policies and building a community of solar supporters.

Local partners of the Northern Arizona Solar Co-op include the City of Flagstaff, City of Sedona, and Coconino County.

“The Co-op is an exciting example of collective action,” said Nicole Antonopoulos, sustainability director for the City of Flagstaff. “It speaks to our region’s interest in and commitment to renewable energy and the positive impacts of collaboration.”

The co-op is free to join and there is no obligation to go solar. Northern Arizona residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up through March 31 at the co-op website.

About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Arizona and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.

Solar Energy Gaining Popularity

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Through residential rooftop solar systems, solar energy companies say they are helping customers become less reliant on fossil fuels and save on utility bills.

Solar power companies say more homeowners are considering solar energy now because, in December, the federal government extended a 26% tax credit for the cost of a residential system through the end of 2022 and because, with the pandemic, people are spending more time in their homes and looking for ways to save money.

Guy Kobey, Northern Arizona solar sales manager for Sunny Energy, says solar energy and Prescott are a natural fit. “The numerous sunny days and cooler temperatures in Prescott mean that a solar system in Prescott will generally outperform a solar system in other warmer parts of the state.”

Through residential rooftop solar systems, solar energy companies say they are helping customers become less reliant on fossil fuels and save on utility bills. “We can also help homeowners protect their family during a grid outage by installing battery backup combined with the solar electric system,” he said.

Solar Life also serves the Quad Cities area. CEO Jeff Grubert says the price of residential solar energy is based on the size of the system or the amount of power a customer wants to obtain.

“While we offer cash purchase options, most homeowners do not see the wisdom in sinking a lot of cash into a purchase option,” said Grubert. “The best way to go solar is to use the 26% federal tax payment as a down payment and, with no additional cash out of pocket and a 650 credit score, a homeowner can use a low-cost purchase option to lower the monthly cost of electricity.”

Beyond the long-term cost savings for electricity on a home, a homeowner likely will increase the value of the home, but more importantly, enjoy living in the house more, he added. “They get independence, freedom and control over their utility costs.”

Kobey says clean energy helps to stabilize the grid, resulting in fewer outages, while benefiting the environment. “Residential solar generally has no moving parts and the energy created is pollution-free. It is estimated that the U.S. now has more than 90 gigawatts of cumulative installed electric capacity, enough to power more than 16.4 million average American homes, and offset more than 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.”

Beyond environmental benefits, Kobey emphasizes four ways that solar energy is helping homeowners:

Savings: Most solar systems are financed and the new finance payments are lower than the previous utility bills, he says.

Independence: Homeowners have freedom from rate hikes. “Now, you have a choice to produce your own electricity right on your own roof and the cost of the energy does not increase,” said Kobey.

Increased home values: In the past, some solar systems were leased and those did not add value to homes. However, a recent Zillow study shows that homes with owned solar systems will typically sell for 4.1% more than a similar home without solar. “The simple reason is that homes with solar have much lower utility bills and cost less each month to own and operate than homes without solar.”

Security: In the event of a grid outage, homeowners with solar and batteries can still run most of their devices. “Often, homeowners will choose to back up circuits such as refrigerators, lights, communications, security and garage doors.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

 

Dugas Solar Project Proposed Near Cordes Junction

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The proposed solar project would span both sides of Interstate 17 on 4,680 acres of state trust land, about three miles north of Cordes Junction.

San Francisco-based Candela Renewables has proposed a multi-million-dollar solar project near Dugas that would bring electricity to 168,000 homes, more money into the tax base for Yavapai County, and create jobs.

Dave Cherry, public information officer for Arizona State Trust Land, confirmed that Candela Renewables has submitted an application to use the land for the Dugas Solar Project. Cherry said there is no timeline for approval or denial of the request. If approved, Candela Renewables may lease the land for 45 years, according to the application.

The proposed solar project southeast of Prescott would span both sides of Interstate 17 on 4,680 acres of state trust land, about three miles north of Cordes Junction. A portion of any state trust land transaction would mean more money for public education, as required by state law.

Solar Frontier, another solar firm, has completed an application for 800 acres in part of the same area. This area is enticing to solar companies because of the nearby Dugas Substation where they can join the grid.

Ian Calkins, spokesman for the Dugas Solar Project for Candela Renewables, issued a statement stating that Candela Renewables develops utility-scale solar generation projects in North America and markets the energy to utilities seeking to procure renewable resources for their customers. The statement said the development team is in the early stages of planning the project. “When fully permitted, the company will begin construction of the 450 megawatt photovoltaic facility, which is planned on Arizona State Trust Land. Zoning and land use applications will be filed with the county in coming months,” it read.

Representatives of Candela Renewables gave a presentation to the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and have spoken with stakeholders, including the Cosanti Foundation and the Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership. Stakeholder concerns include potential impact on water quality and wildlife, particularly pronghorn.

Yavapai County Supervisor James Gregory, who represents the district where the state land is located, said he wants more information before he supports the project, but he added that this could be the future. He noted that APS is mandated to use more renewable energy. Gregory believes the initial investment for Candela Renewables would be about $400 million if the project is approved.

Patrick McWhorter, president and CEO of the Cosanti Foundation, has concerns because the state trust land that Candela Renewables plans to use is adjacent to Arcosanti, which is run by the Cosanti Foundation. He said the biggest concern is the impact on the watershed, as the Agua Fria River runs through the property.

McWhorter also is concerned about the impact on wildlife and whether the solar panels will interrupt migratory patterns.

Arcosanti also has grazing rights on 3,000 acres of the state trust land, which is subleased to a local farmer. Orme Ranch and the YMCA also have grazing rights on the state trust land.

As a tourist attraction, McWhorter wonders what the solar panels will look like from Arcosanti. Eighty people live on the Arcosanti site and McWhorter wants to make sure there are no negative impacts on them.

McWhorter said he sees the need for solar energy in general, but wonders what happens to the solar panels after decades of use. He noted that Arcosanti has a small solar setup on its property.

Mary Hoadley, chairwoman of the Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership (UAFWP), said the group is concerned about the impact the solar project will have on the water quality and quantity on the Agua Fria River.

In a letter to Arizona State Trust Land Commissioner Lisa Atkins, Hoadley had questions regarding storm water and erosion impacts on the site from construction and operation, and also raised concerns about possible chemical pollution to the Agua Fria River system including Ash Creek, a major Agua Fria tributary. Hoadley told QCBN that Candola Renewables will fence the solar panels for security reasons and she wonders how this will impact the deer, coyotes and javelina.

“I want to see them doing their due diligence to see the impact,” she said. “I understand that green energy is important for our country to fight climate change, and the income for education would be wonderful.”

Hoadley said she has not taken a position on the Candela Renewable proposal because she wants to be more informed before doing that. She has been meeting with Candela Renewable representatives since May and took a field trip to the site with them.

“It’s fair to say Candela wants to be a good neighbor and mitigate what they can,” she said. “They have good answers for a lot of questions. They are fine with open questions.”

Candola Renewables has several solar projects throughout the West. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN