Amonix has unveiled a utility-scale solar energy 2-megawatt (MW) AC Nameplate power plant in the Solar Zone at the University of Arizona's Science and Technology Park (UASTP) that will produce enough energy to power more than 500 Tucson-area homes.

Powered by 36 Amonix concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, the 12-acre facility will offset more than 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year, while preserving the local environment by consuming no water during power production. As a result of Amonix's partnership with Granite Construction, rapid installation - .5 MW per day, post pedestal install - was made possible.

"The Solar Zone is just one of many examples of the University of Arizona and Tucson Electric Power's leadership in sustainability, renewable energy and solar," said Brian Robertson, Amonix CEO.

"What makes the Solar Zone compelling is the focus on making it a home for high-performance commercialized solar equipment that offers significant advantages to developers of solar power plants. It also creates economic benefits, including clean energy jobs and clean power, for the residents of Southern Arizona."

"The UA Tech Park is pleased to have Amonix as a centerpiece of our Solar Zone. As a leader in concentrated photovoltaic technology, they bring enormous technical know-how in the fast-paced renewable energy sector. Their continued drive in improving efficiencies and the economics of CPV technology is an effort the University of Arizona is keen to collaborate with Amonix on to make this region the recognized center of solar energy technology development and deployment," said Bruce Wright, associate vice president for University Research Parks.

"The Solar Zone is the ideal environment to create, test and deploy current and future solar technologies. Important firms like Amonix and Tucson Electric Power are leading the way in new, innovative products and programs that make solar energy affordable and usable for us all."

Amonix's system is the first in a series of privately owned, utility-scale solar power projects that are being developed in the Tucson area to serve Tucson Electric Power (TEP) customers.

TEP has agreed to purchase the output of 10 systems, which would add a total of 127 MW of local solar generating capacity to the company's growing renewable energy portfolio. TEP is also developing its own solar power systems, including a 1.6 MW array which was completed last year in the Solar Zone.

"We are very pleased that Amonix's new array is producing clean, green energy for our customers," said Paul Bonavia, chairman, president and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy.

"Amonix's system represents a new level of innovation in solar energy development, and its installation in the Solar Zone will help us evaluate its performance alongside other solar technologies operating under the same conditions."

The solar power plant was developed through a partnership between Amonix, the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park and TEP, which has a 20-year agreement to purchase the facility's electricity.

Robertson noted that the Solar Zone has been designed with careful attention to preserving local natural resources. "Amonix systems use no water in the production of power and are less disruptive to the land because they are pedestal mounted," he said. "Also, when the site was being prepared, the university took special precautions to inventory, remove and relocate native desert plants in cooperation with Tucson-Pima Succulent Society."