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Utility aims high with solar site
By Dana Cole/Wick communications
SIERRA VISTA - Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative is proposing its largest-ever single renewable-energy project.
It has issued a request to build a solar photovoltaic energy facility with a capacity of about 750 kilowatts at a new Sonoita substation site.
"You need the right infrastructure for this kind of project to work," said Jack Blair, the utility's chief member services officer. "The new substation was designed to accommodate large-scale solar projects like this one. There is sufficient land on the substation property to support the necessary electrical infrastructure, and by doing it now, we'll be constructing the whole project as we go."
It will be particularly beneficial in summer during peak demand, when the utility must purchase more expensive power, Blair said. Midday output is expected to equal the power used by 190 homes.
The facility will be part of the Sonoita Reliability Project, where the utility is planning to add a 69 kilovolt (kV) line from Whetstone through Sonoita. It's an upgrade the cooperative says it needs to accommodate growth in the Sonoita, Elgin and Patagonia areas.
"With construction of the new 69 kV line and substation, it's much more cost-effective to build the solar project now instead of adding it later," Blair said.
The utility is looking at renewable-energy funding opportunities.
One of those programs includes the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, which the utility used to financed 41 school solar structures throughout Cochise County. In addition, the federal government's economic stimulus package can cover 10 to 30 percent of the cost for renewable-energy programs.
"We're also considering proposals where a third party would build, operate and maintain the structure for a specified period of time, and SSVEC would agree to purchase the output," Blair said.
The utility is looking into other funding and partnering opportunities as they come along, he added.
"This solar energy facility is a wonderful opportunity," Blair said. "Building it now is cost-effective, and it aligns well with the government programs that are available."
Herald/Review reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618 or by e-mail at dana.cole@svherald.com.
It has issued a request to build a solar photovoltaic energy facility with a capacity of about 750 kilowatts at a new Sonoita substation site.
"You need the right infrastructure for this kind of project to work," said Jack Blair, the utility's chief member services officer. "The new substation was designed to accommodate large-scale solar projects like this one. There is sufficient land on the substation property to support the necessary electrical infrastructure, and by doing it now, we'll be constructing the whole project as we go."
It will be particularly beneficial in summer during peak demand, when the utility must purchase more expensive power, Blair said. Midday output is expected to equal the power used by 190 homes.
The facility will be part of the Sonoita Reliability Project, where the utility is planning to add a 69 kilovolt (kV) line from Whetstone through Sonoita. It's an upgrade the cooperative says it needs to accommodate growth in the Sonoita, Elgin and Patagonia areas.
"With construction of the new 69 kV line and substation, it's much more cost-effective to build the solar project now instead of adding it later," Blair said.
The utility is looking at renewable-energy funding opportunities.
One of those programs includes the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, which the utility used to financed 41 school solar structures throughout Cochise County. In addition, the federal government's economic stimulus package can cover 10 to 30 percent of the cost for renewable-energy programs.
"We're also considering proposals where a third party would build, operate and maintain the structure for a specified period of time, and SSVEC would agree to purchase the output," Blair said.
The utility is looking into other funding and partnering opportunities as they come along, he added.
"This solar energy facility is a wonderful opportunity," Blair said. "Building it now is cost-effective, and it aligns well with the government programs that are available."
Herald/Review reporter Dana Cole can be reached at 515-4618 or by e-mail at dana.cole@svherald.com.
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