SOLON Corporation, one of the largest providers of turnkey solar power plants and manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar modules in the U.S., announced an agreement with UniSource Energy Services (UES) that will bring a 1.22 megawatt (MW) solar system to Kingman, Arizona. Powered by SOLON systems and modules, the plant will provide a faster, more cost-effective way for UES to integrate solar power into its renewable energy portfolio for Kingman residents.
UES will own and operate the system on six acres owned by the Kingman Unified School District (KUSD) behind La Senita Elementary School. It will be the largest single physical photovoltaic (PV) system on school property in the state of Arizona. SOLON is leading the engineering, procurement and construction services.
For the Kingman system, SOLON is providing a comprehensive level of products, development and support. In total, the system will feature six of SOLON’s single-axis trackers, utilizing more than 5,000 UL-certified 235-watt solar modules, which are manufactured at the company’s Tucson headquarters. To help ensure the plant’s performance and efficiency, the company is also providing its SCADA system, which enables remote control and monitoring.
“As a Tucson-based company, SOLON Corporation takes great pride in bringing clean, affordable solar energy to neighboring Arizona communities,” said Dan Alcombright, Chief Executive Officer and President of North America for SOLON. “La Senita is a testament to Kingman’s commitment to renewable energy and the success of partnerships between solar providers, utilities and schools.”
“In addition to helping UES meet its renewable energy goals, this system will provide an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million impact on the local economy,” said Carmine Tilghman, Director of Renewable Resources for UES and its parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation (NYSE: UNS). “We’re grateful that KUSD and La Senita Elementary School share our enthusiasim for this project, and we look forward to developing similar parnterships in the future as we expand our renewable energy resources.”
Local Mohave County contractors will assist in the installation of the system. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011.