For years, Tucson Electric Power has designed, developed, procured and tested solar technology at the University of Arizona Science & Technology Park Solar Zone. One of their goals is to raise their solar generating capacity to power the grid. The Solar Zone is an incredibly important project for TEP because it allows them to evaluate different projects side by side, and that helps them determine what types of technologies can provide the most cost-effective renewable power to our system. And perhaps most importantly, it allows TEP to provide customers with something they want: sustainable energy at sustainable prices. Join us to learn from Ted how The Solar Zone works and how this public-private partnership benefits their customers, their community and the planet. This show made possible due to the generous support of Tucson Electric Power.

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 INSIGHTS

  • At the end of 2017, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) produced a little over 12.5% of their energy needs from renewable resources. The Arizona Corporation Commission has a renewable mandate of 15% by the year 2025 – TEP is on track to surpass that and has an internal goal of 30% renewables by 2030.
  • The Solar Zone at the University of Arizona (UA) Science and Technology Park was born in 2009/2010, as a partnership between TEP and UA. The idea was to use vacant desert space to access renewable energy.  It is considered to be the largest multi-technology utility scale in, at least, the northern hemisphere. It is a little over 220 acres and there are 7 different utility scale projects in motion today.
  • How are scientists working together – sharing data and knowledge – and utilizing the amazing resource at Solar Zone? Ted shares what it is like to be “on the ground” and learning together in this podcast.
  • When is solar most efficient? You might be surprised to learn that the middle of summer is not necessarily the best time to generate power from solar.
  • What is the challenge to storing solar? Ted’s answer illuminates the issue and the approach towards solutions in a really wonderful way – listen to hear his response.

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