SunEdison has contracted with Tucson-based solar developer and EPC firm SOLON Corporation for a 5MW power purchase agreement and a construction and development agreement for 11 solar projects for Pima County, Ariz. The county will purchase electricity through a 20-year power purchase agreement at a fixed rate, and expects to enjoy significant energy savings at their Elections Center, recreation areas, and other civic buildings. The projects will also provide the county with more than 1,800 solar canopy covered parking spots.
"By powering their civic buildings with clean and cost effective solar power, Pima County officials are saving taxpayer dollars and catalyzing economic growth in their community," stated Rafael Dobrzynski, SunEdison senior vice president and general manager of commercial and industrial solar. "Together with SOLON, we're able to deliver best-in-class financing and exceptional execution, built on regional expertise, local relationships, and community engagement."
SunEdison is providing its high-performance solar panels, construction financing, and development management, as well as the construction specifications for the project. SOLON originated the project and is performing engineering, procurement, construction and operations and maintenance activities.
SunEdison and SOLON have partnered on more than 22 solar projects to date, totaling more than 13MW of clean, reliable energy. The partnership between SOLON and SunEdison marks a win-win-win business for both company and Pima County -- the solar power plants are expected to generate enough energy each year to power more than 800 homes. The systems avoid the emission of approximately 13.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the amount of carbon sequestered by more than 5,000 acres of U.S. forests.
Construction is targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015 with the final site finishing construction in the second half of 2016.
