APS Teams with First Solar on Plant with Battery Storage

Arizona is considered a big solar state with close to 300 days of sunshine annually.

Arizona’s largest electric utility is teaming with one of the leading US-based solar panel makers to develop a solar power field matched with battery storage.

Arizona Public Service Co. and Tempe-based First Solar have announced they will build the solar panel array and battery bank near the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Phoenix.

The First Solar plant is planned to be operational in 2021 and will be built near the APS Red Hawk Power Plant on 363rd Avenue in Arlington.

Matching battery storage with a utility-scale solar array means the plant will be able to provide power during the late afternoon and evening when it is most needed.

“Partnering with an Arizona company such as First Solar to pair solar power with advanced battery storage is good for our customers and continues our state’s national leadership in clean energy innovation,” said Don Brandt, chairman, president and CEO of APS.

APS already has three grid-scale battery arrays storing solar energy and plans to install much more over the coming 15 years.

Arizona is considered a big solar state with close to 300 days of sunshine annually.