On September 6th, 2011, Salt River Project (SRP, Tempe, Arizona, U.S.) announced that its 20 MW Copper Crossing Solar Ranch is now producing electricity for more than 100 schools that participate in its Community Solar Program.

Copper Crossing Solar Ranch was built by Iberdrola Renovables SA (Madrid, Spain) as its first solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the United States. The plant is also the largest operational PV plant in the U.S. state of Arizona.

"This program offers an alternative to the traditional method of installing solar systems on rooftops and allows more schools to invest in clean energy," said SRP General Manager Mark Bonsall.

"Participating schools also gain access to solar educational materials and a web portal that provides data on the plant's production."

Plant utilizes 66,000 SunPower PV modules

The plant is comprised of 66,000 SunPower crystalline silicon PV modules and occupies 58.3 hectares in Florence, Arizona.

11 school districts participating in the program will purchase 39% of the plant's output for a fixed price for 10 years.

Salt River Project will also provide educational resources to local schools, as well as USD 350 mini-grants to teachers who receive training on the materials, which can be used to purchase additional hands-on materials.

2011-09-12| Courtesy: Salt River Project | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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