Arizona Public Service (APS) has introduced a pilot project in Flagstaff that the utility says could ultimately provide a substantial increase in the number of solar rooftops statewide.
As envisioned in a proposal filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, the APS Community Power Project will bring solar panels to the rooftops of homes and businesses with no up-front costs to customers. These panels will become, in essence, an interconnected renewable power plant. APS intends to generate 1.5 MW of electricity from the Community Power Project.Â
According to APS, this pilot project will enable the utility to measure system impacts and to better understand the total customer experience with technology. APS will own, operate and receive energy from solar panels on eligible customer rooftops. The company will hire solar contractors to install and maintain the systems.
Customers will receive a long-term Community Power Rate for the solar portion of their bill, which will remain fixed at a guaranteed level – approximately equivalent to what they pay today – for 20 years.
Additionally, APS will install utility-scale banks of solar panels and small wind turbines in the test area. The company also plans to install 50 solar water heaters in the pilot area on homes of customers with limited incomes.
SOURCE: Arizona Public Service
