colliers solar energy network az

P A R T N E R S F O R C H A N G E

Solar EnergyNETWORK

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Contents

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1 Solar Energy Network

2 Arizona Governor Jan Brewer

3 A Solar City - A Green City | Mayor Phil Gordon - City of Phoenix

4 Solar Power: A Chance to Shine on Arizonas Economy | GPEC

5 Senate Bill 1403

6 Arizona Corporation Commission

7 Adding Roof-Top Solar Energy is Becoming More Affordable | APS

8 The Future of Solar Looks Bright | SRP

10 Solar Energy on the Rise | TEP

11 Arizona Solar Projects

12 Entrepreneurship Driven Innovation | Science Foundation of Arizona

14 Arizona Economic Resource Organization

15 The University of Arizona

16 Arizona is Poised to Become the Global Leader in Solar Energy | ASU

17 Northern Arizona University

18 Solar Research at Arizona State University

20 Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy | ASU

21 TV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory

22 Arizona Solar Energy Association is on the Move

24 Why We Need to Support the Creation of a Viable

26 Solon Corporation

27 Partnering for a Bright Future | BrightSource Energy

28 Economic Impact on Arizona | Global Solar Energy

30 Solar Energy Collaboration | SolFocus

31 REC Solar - Shining into Arizona

32 About SolarCity

33 Wilson Electric

34 Arizona Solar Network | Greater Phoenix Map

36 Thank You | Our Contributing External & Internal Experts

Commercial Solar Energy Sector in Arizona | CarbonFree

Todays changing energy needs require diverse solutions We are pleased to present Colliers Internationals Solar Energy NetworkPartners for Change a

comprehensive examination of the solar energy

industry by the experts and visionaries who are

playing a critical role in creating a renewable

energy future.

Colliers International would like to extend its

appreciation to our valued partners in both the

public and private sectors who contributed their

expertise to this visionary report.

Colliers International Solar Energy Network

is a highly qualified team of professionals who

specialize in commercial real estate for the

renewable energy industry.

Solar Energy Network provides integrated real

estate solutions, including the sale and leasing of

industrial and office properties, land acquisition,

property management, mortgage banking, market

research, valuation and appraisal.

Our experts assist solar energy companies in

navigating through the complexities of solar

initiatives, policies, regulations and real estate

transactions in the state of Arizona. With our

in-depth knowledge of federal, state and local

incentives, legislation, market conditions and

renewable energy industry requirements, we are

well positioned to help you achieve your strategic

real estate objectives.

Colliers Internationals global platform allows us

to assist you with multiple locations or multi-

national projects through full service solutions

offered in more than 60 countries.

Tom Knaub, SIOR, CCIM Senior Vice President | Industrial Properties

602.222.5036

[email protected]

John Finnegan Senior Vice President | LandSource Group

602.222.5152

[email protected]

Kevin LangeSenior Associate | Office Properties

602.222.5160

[email protected]

Matt Fitz-Gerald TEAM LEADER

Senior Associate | Office Properties

602.222.5178

[email protected]

Colliers International Solar Energy

Network

Arizona has a long history of providing a balanced set of traditional resources to generate electricity including nuclear, coal,

natural gas and hydro. We have the largest nuclear power plant in the United States. Our tribal nations have large coal reserves, and our hydroelectric dams are the foundation upon which our state was built. However, over the past several years we have seen prices for our traditional fuel resources grow more volatile.

Since before statehood, Arizona has provided leadership in fostering solar energy research, development, manufacturing and deployment for the benefit not only of the people and the economy of Arizona, but the nation and the world. Since the 1800s, Arizona has utilized solar for heating and pumping water, and tested and certified solar products and new solar technologies. In 1990, Arizona created a statewide energy policy that led to the establishment of a utility portfolio standard at the Arizona Corporation Commission. More recently, Arizona enacted numerous solar tax incentive programs for both business owners and residents.

Arizona has many unique renewable energy attributes, with solar energy being our most abundant. Arizonas solar resource not only has the potential to help us become more energy independent, but it also has the potential to provide enormous opportunity for economic growth. As we enter a new era in energy, Arizona is working toward developing a strong solar energy industry and infrastructure.

In support of this new course, I have directed my Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, Donald E. Cardon, to focus on growing green jobs in Arizona and demonstrating the usefulness of renewable energies, like solar and wind, in diversifying and strengthening our state economy. New incentives I have signed into law allow Arizona to compete globally, be more aggressive in attracting foreign direct investment, and secure quality jobs for Arizonans.

In addition, the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office will utilize a portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act energy funding to launch a public buildings solar initiative with a goal

to procure and deploy one megawatt of new solar installations on our states public buildings by 2010. The first system to be installed will be a photovoltaic (solar electric) system on the south wing of the Executive Tower at 1700 West Washington Street in Phoenix. This system will symbolize that Arizona means business when it comes to solar energy.

I am also directing the Department of Commerce to use American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to establish a grant program to demonstrate commercially viable renewable energy and energy efficient products manufactured in Arizona. We will also establish a Revolving Energy Loan Fund to provide low-interest loans for commercial businesses, farmers and ranchers who wish to become more energy efficient or utilize renewable energy systems.

By focusing these monies on renewable energy innovation, solar installation, and energy efficiency, Arizona will continue to lead the nation in the development and implementation of products that move the State of Arizona toward energy independence. By continuing to foster a solar industry that will someday become an economic force of great significance, Arizona will diversify its economy, grow green jobs, and better the environment for the citizens of this great State.

I am an early adopter of solar energy energizing my home with Arizonas sun since the 1970s. I know our States potential with renewable energies is great.

Engage in this statewide effort through my Arizona Department of Commerce. Please visit www.azcommerce.com.

COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL | 2

Donald E. CardonDirector of the Arizona Department of Commerce

Governor Jan Brewer

I recently traveled to Washington -- and had a face-to-face meeting with Energy Secretary Steven Chu. We talked about the importance of renewable energy sources -- the importance of freeing ourselves from our dependency on foreign oil and the jobs that will come to the city that leads on this issue.

I told him that Phoenix would lead and well do it with Green Phoenix a 17-point plan which, in short, is designed to make Phoenix, Americas first Carbon-Neutral City Americas Greenest City. It is a plan that already has the Secretarys endorsement.

So what is Green Phoenix? Its comprehensive. Its training unemployed workers to rehabilitate distressed homes for water and energy efficiency. Its converting public outside illumination to very high-efficiency, dark skies compliant lighting.

Its expanding our creative recycling private-public partnership to every residence and business in the City. Its developing our canal system for recreation and non-motorized transportation. Its painting Phoenix rooftops white, to better reflect the sun and reduce the urban heat-island effect -- and bringing all our public buildings up to new LEED retrofit standards.

The Phoenix City Council adopoted a policy that all new buildings built with bond funds must be built to basic LEED standards. Our city code has been modified to require all new city buildings to realize a 50 percent reduction in water use in landscaping, a 20 percent reduction in water use in interiors and a 30 percent reduction in overall energy use.

And Green Phoenix is about turning Phoenix into a Solar City. In the middle of what has always been known as the Valley of the Sun -- Phoenix will become the City of the Sun.

Already, the West Building of the Phoenix

Convention Center has a 100kW solar photovoltaic system installed on its roof. The system provides power directly into the facility and is designed to offset power purchased from the utility.

100kW of Soar or photovoltaic power is being generated through panels on top of two parking shade canopies and the security building of our Pecos Park & Ride facility. The energy generated for use in the public grid is enough energy for 13-15 Valley homes on an annual basis.

Our Pecos Community Center has a 30kW solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the gymnasium designed to feed power to the facility and offset utility-purchased power at the site.

The North Gateway Transfer Station has a 7kW photovoltaic system on the room of the transfer station and 32 photovoltaic powered lights in the employee and visitor parking lot. The system provides power directly into the system.

Soon, we will start powering Phoenix homes and buildings with solar technology from solar power plants and from rooftops. Under this plan, no homeowner will have to advance a single dime for solar installations.

Further, Phoenix recently issued an RFP to build the very first solar power plant in the Valley on up to 1,200 acres of a city landfill.

Finally, our Green Rail Corridor Demonstration Project, developed in partnership with Arizona State Universitys Institute of Global Sustainability, will take a 10-mile stretch of light rail corridor through the heart of the city, a half-mile wide, and accomplish actual reductions in energy usage and carbon emissions over time, even while dramatically increasing residential and commercial density.

For reasons that should be obvious to everyone -- if theres going to be a Solar City like theres a Silicon Valley it shouldnt be in Atlanta or Portland. It should be in Phoenix. And it will be in Phoenix.

The benefits will be many. Well reduce our carbon footprint. Well create jobs immediately. Well all reduce our utility bills. Well reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and best of all, well create a demand for technology that will attract the high-tech solar manufacturers that are looking for a place to build their next plant.

A Solar City: A Green City Mayor Phil GordonCity of Phoenix

SOLAR ENERGY NETWORK 2009 | 3

Solar Power: A Chance to Shine on Arizonas Economy

rizona is poised to become the solar energy capital of the nation. With an

average of 321 days of sunshine each year, Arizona receives the countrys highest

concentration of sun. Beyond that, Arizona has excellent traits that solidify why the

state should be a premier solar location:

- One of the most aggressive renewable energy standards

(RES) in the U.S., requiring Arizonas electric utilities to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources like the sun and wind by 2025. Of this, 30% of the RES must be distributed generation (think powering homes), which means Arizona will be among the top two states in the country for the number of installed solar rooftop systems on a per capita basis.

- Proximity to Californiathe worlds 4th largest solar marketand Mexico enables broad distribution capabilities to transport manufactured solar goods and allow for the import and export of renewable energy through transmission.

- Arizona State University is home to the worlds first school of sustainability, as well as renowned solar power and photovoltaic testing laboratories.

For over 25 years ASU has been a leader in solar energy, a position we plan to leverage in helping to make Arizona a national leader in the production and distribution of solar energy in the years ahead, said Todd Hardy, the Universitys associate vice president for economic affairs.

Hardy also chairs GPECs Techonomy Leadership Council, a collaborative group that promotes technological advances that drive economic development in innovation-based markets. Comprised of GPEC board directors, industry experts and regional leaders, Techonomy doggedly looks for opportunities to thrust Greater Phoenix ahead of the competition for solar and renewable energy companies.

ASU has been extremely engaged in deploying a full spectrum of academic programs, public private partnerships, and use-inspired research in all areas of sustainability. Given the immense potential that

renewable energy technologies present, Arizona should now make use of its natural environmental assets, commercial focus, and academic leadership to advance its local, regional and statewide economies.

Facts show the renewable energy field is flourishing. Revenues in the worldwide photovoltaic industry surpassed $20 billion in 2008. The current U.S. administration has identified $43 billion for energy investment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Navigant Consulting reports that one in four U.S. workers will be employed in the renewable energy / energy efficiency industries by

2030. The potential for solar is obvious; Arizonas involvement in the industry is just beginning.

In November 2008, German-owned Solon Corporation opened Arizonas first factory for manufacturing photovoltaic equipment. The opening of the 105,000-square-foot facility in Tucson is expected to create 200 new jobs by the end of 2009.

reening Greater Phoenix powered by SolarCity encourages re-newable energy companies to expand operations in Greater Phoenix and positions the region as a hub for green industries. Greening Greater Phoe-nix powered by SolarCity, launched last year, has already garnered media attention from around the nation and amplified the regions reputation as an ideal location for renewable energy companies. For more information: www.greeninggreaterphoenix.org and www.solarcity.com


SolarCity, a California-based solar design and installation company, expanded its operations to Phoenixa reflection of consumer demand for solar in Greater Phoenix. Meanwhile, plans for a wind farm and what would be the worlds largest utility-scale concentrated solar plant, are in the works. The first phase of the wind farm will open by 2010 northwest of Snowflake with about 30 wind turbines enough to power nearly 16,000 homes. Two years later Solana Generating Station, Arizonas largest solar generation station, is scheduled for completion. Located in Gila Bend, Solana will serve up to 70,000 Arizona homes. Both Solana and the wind farm are financed by Spanish companies, demonstrating Arizonas strong pull in the international market and potential for additional foreign investment.

Barry G. BroomeGreater Phoenix Economic CouncilPresident & CEO

Barry G. BroomePresident and CEO

Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Senate Bill 1403 or the Renewable Industries Bill is explained in detail below. SB1403 was the vision of Senator Barbara Leff and has been supported by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council to encourage investment by renewable energy companies in Arizona. Signed by Governor Brewer in July 2009, the program will provide qualified companies with a refundable income tax credit and a reduction in property taxes - making Arizona a favorable choice for renewable energy projects.

OVERVIEWThe Quality Jobs Through Renewable Industries program is designed to stimulate new investments in manufacturing and headquarter operations of in-state and out-of-state renewable energy companies, including solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable technologies. It is designed to generate net new revenue to the state. The benefits include: 1. Refundable income tax credit 2. Real and personal property tax reclassification

REQUIREMENTSBusinesses making new investments in manufacturing and/or headquarter operations in Arizona in renewable energy industries are eligible for the program if they meet the following requirements:- 51% of new jobs must pay a wage that is equal to or exceeds 125% of the states median wage as determined by the Arizona Department of Commerce.- Firm must offer health coverage for which the firm pays 80% or more of the premium for the employee or equivalent for alternative models.

BENEFITS Income tax credit up to 10% of qualified capital investment based on job creation to capital investment ratio. Tax credit to be taken in equal installments over five years Class 6 property tax reclassification, effectively constituting a 70-80% reduction. Period of reclassification is based on the following: -If company pays 51% of employees between 125% and 199% of the median state wage on average, the reclassification would exist for 10 years. -If company pays 51% of employees at least 200% of the median state wage on average, the reclassification would exist for 15 years.

Arizona is clearly destined to be the future of the nations leader in solar consumption, and GPEC is working with its partners statewide to capture the opportunities in innovation and manufacturing to ensure the entire supply chain develops within the state.

Source: GPEC

Arizona is clearly destined to be the nations future leader in solar consumption, and GPEC is working with its partners statewide to capture the opportunities in innovation and manufacturing to ensure the entire supply chain develops within the state.

SENATE BILL 1403


ince 2001, Arizona and the Arizona Corporation Commission have aggressively pursued the development of solar resources. With over 300 sunny days each year, Arizona is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this energy resource through both distributed and utility-scale projects.

In 2006, the Arizona Corporation Commission adopted the Renewable

Energy Standard Rules and Tariff (RES) which require that 15 percent of regulated utilities retail sales come from renewable resources by 2025. Additionally, the RES provides that 30 percent of the renewable energy requirement in years 2011 and beyond be met by distributed generation projects installed on homes and businesses. This specific distributed generation requirement makes Arizonas renewable standard unique across the country and is the singularly most aggressive standard of its kind. In addition to establishing annual renewable requirements, the RES has laid out a

mechanism for paying for renewable energy. Under the RES, the above market costs for renewable energy are paid through a renewable surcharge, which is annually reviewed by the ACC. Each impacted utility files an

annual implementation plan, which outlines their prior year results, proposed incentives and planned programs for the forthcoming year.

Since the implementation of the RES, Arizona has experienced a dramatic upswing in renewable energy interest and planning for both utility-scale and distributed projects. Notably, in the two years since the inception of the RES, Arizona Public Service Company has increased its renewable portfolio by 650 percent and will have over 500 megawatts of renewable energy serving its customers by 2012. Similarly, Tucson Electric Power has continued to pursue distributed generation opportunities, announcing a deal with Sun Edison to finance, build, install and maintain 15 megawatts of distributed solar generation over the next five years.

Upon full implementation, in 2025 the RES rules will power 500,000 homes and result in 2,500 MW

of renewable energy generation. Additionally, the rules will prevent the emission of 93 billion pounds of carbon dioxide, 186 million pounds of nitrogen oxide, 129 million pounds of sulfur dioxide and 1,277 pounds of mercury.

The ongoing efforts and successes to date by Arizonas customers and utility companies reflect recognition of our solar present and future. A recent study conducted at the behest of the ACC conservatively estimated Arizonas commercial solar potential at 10,000 megawatts, illustrating the depth of opportunity available.

While the study noted the vastness of Arizonas solar resources, the Commission recognizes that utilization of renewable potential will necessarily require new transmission lines. In short, transmission planning is a critical corollary in order to fully develop Arizonas solar future. To that end, as part of the study, the Commission specifically asked parties to identify solar regions and the transmission resources which would be needed to bring the energy to load markets. Through these processes, the ACC intends to push efforts to harness solar market opportunities and develop needed transmission.

As Arizona grows and transmission is developed, our position as a growth state adjacent to other growth markets leaves us poised to capitalize on solar energy. A recent report by the Arizona Economic Resource Organization highlights the attention and interest in developing Arizonas solar market. Separately, the Bureau of Land Management anticipates that over forty applications for solar plant permits will be received within the next twelve months.

In January of 2009, three new Commissioners were welcomed to the Arizona Corporation Commission. These Commissioners have publicly recognized the importance of solar power, Arizonas tremendous potential and the necessity of its continued promotion. Under the Commissions leadership, solar power will continue to play an important role in Arizonas energy future.

AZ Corporation Commission Kristin K. MayesChairman Arizona Corporation Commission

Kristin K. MayesChairman of Arizona Corporation Commission


With todays focus on renewable, sustainable technologies, the immense potential of solar energy is (literally) a hot topic, especially here in Arizona where we enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Converting the suns heat and light into energy continues to make more sense every day.

Small solar energy systemsroof-top photovoltaic systems and solar water heatershave long been known as an excellent, environmentally-friendly way for businesses to help contribute to meeting the growing energy needs of the state. However, in the past, high up-front installation costs have kept many from adding one of these systems.

This is changing. Between federal and state tax rebates and cash incentives from local utilities like APS, roof-top solar systems are becoming more affordable. The savings can be as high as 80 percent. (The actual cost and subsequent discount varies based on the size and type of system installed.)

Currently, APS has more than 10 megawatts of electric capacity available from roof-top solar across the state. Who is producing this solar energy? Along with individual residences, the list includes a whos who of Arizona businesses. Luke Air Force Base, Arizona State University and Frito-Lay have all added roof-top solar to their facilities in the past few years. Another high-profile organization, the Phoenix Suns, announced last year that they will install their own system.

These companies take part in APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program. The program offers cash incentives to grid-tied customers who currently receive electricity from APS. It is approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission and funded by rate payers. Businesses can receive a one-time incentive check for adding a system or receive yearly production-based

incentives (PBI). These PBI contracts can be set for 10, 15 or 20 years.

Because of the varied costs, possible energy savings and products available, those interested in adding roof-top solar systems are encouraged to do appropriate due-diligence. Not only should they go to aps.com but

also should consider visiting the Arizona Solar Center, located on the web at www.azsolarcenter.com.

It is also important for consumers to understand the process for receiving cash incentives from their utility. Each month APS customers pay a renewable tariff. The first step is to receive a bid from a qualified installer. It is recommended that consumers acquire at least three bids. After receiving the bid, an application is submitted to APS. The application reserves funds from the pool of money collected by APS and must be completed before installing the system. The form must be accompanied by an itemized estimate of the installation from an Arizona licensed contractor. Installation should not be performed until written confirmation approving the request is provided by APS.

Adding Roof-Top Solar Energy Is Becoming More Affordable

Businesses can receive a one-time incentive check for adding a system or receive yearly production-based incentives (PBI).

Barbara D. Lockwood, P.E.Director of Renewable Energy

Arizona Public Service

Barbara Lockwood, P.E.Director of Renewable EnergyArizona Public Service


lthough you wont notice it when you drive by, if you were to step onto the roof of the Gatorade

distribution center in Tolleson, Arizona, you would see solar panels covering an area nearly the size of two football fields. 2,448 panels

capture the suns energy and provide for about 40 percent of the buildings energy

needs.

As an SRP EarthWise Solar customer, Gatorade is just one of our commercial customers that is reducing its carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy. The EarthWise Solar program, which provides incentives for commercial and residential customers to install solar along with federal and state tax incentives, helps businesses defray the costs.

The Gatorade system, which contains 2,448 solar panels spanning 68,000 square feet, produces more than 780,000 kilowatt hours per year the amount

needed to power about 50 households per calendar year and will result in an estimated carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction of about 400 metric tons per year.

Today is a great time to look into solar electricity. State and federal tax credits, combined with utility rebates, make solar more affordable. In late 2008, Congress extended the federal tax credit for eight years, which gives customers and installers confidence in

investing in solar energy. In todays uncertain times related to fuel prices, knowing that your fuel source, the sun, is actually free is an added bonus.

Solars future is brighter for a variety of reasons.

Prices are expected to decrease. Solar panels, while having been in short supply over the past few years due to an unprecedented worldwide demand, are becoming more available. Solar manufacturing companies are opening new plants throughout the world. The first solar manufacturing plant in Arizona, Solon, recently began operation in Tucson with an annual production capacity of 60 megawatts. Solon plans to produce crystalline and thin-film solar modules as well as photovoltaic systems for the North American market.

Improvements in technology are ahead. Newer thin-film technologies often use non-silicon semiconductor materials to convert sunlight into electricity, are much quicker to produce and can be printed on flexible or light substances. And better yet, this technology can be built right into roofing shingles. In addition, new integrated solar systems that will combine solar electricity and solar heating in one system are being explored. Using solar to run air conditioners is also important as it accounts for about 60 percent of our summer electricity bill in the desert. Weve partnered with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to install a solar air conditioner on their ECO building at the Papago Park National Guard campus. In addition, research is being done on photovoltaic paint imagine painting solar cells on new buildings throughout Arizona.

Municipalities are helping to make installing solar easier. Applying for a permit to install a solar system used to be long and arduous. Today, cities recognize the

The Future of Solar Looks Bright Lori SingletonManager of Sustainable Initiatives and TechnologiesSalt River Project


importance of clean energy and as they have gained experience with system design and installations, they are working to reduce permit fees, fast track solar permitting, and streamline the process.

At SRP, weve seen an increase in commercial customer interest and participation, which will likely continue in 2009. Other SRP business customers that have taken the step to invest in solar energy range from a rock crushing company to an equestrian center to a plastic surgeons office. SRP also offers a solar water heating incentive program for commercial customers which can be beneficial to customers who heat water for their manufacturing process or for pool heating. Gatorade is installing solar to preheat water in their manufacturing process and 10 Valley resorts are heating pools with solar systems.

For solar photovoltaic systems, SRP will help defray the cost for commercial customers with an incentive of $2.25 per watt, up to $450,000. SRP commercial customers who install a solar water heating system qualify for a one-time incentive of $0.50 per kilowatt hour of metered first-year energy savings, up to $250,000.

Today, because traditional sources of energy remain less expensive, the solar industry relies on companies that place a high value on sustainability and ensuring a clean energy supply for the future. Through increased competition in the solar manufacturing industry and with advances in technology, it is my hope that one day solar will be a viable and important resource for every Arizona business.

For information about the SRP EarthWise Solar program, log onto www.srpnet.com/solarbiz.

Lori SingletonSRP Manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies


At Tucson Electric Power, were looking forward to a time when most people arent very excited about solar energy.

By 2020 or hopefully even sooner solar power systems and other renewable energy resources will be considered just another part of a responsible utilitys generation portfolio. The green power systems we promote today as signs of progress will, at some point, be considered routine. Arizona residents will simply assume that their local electric utility is generating power from our states abundant sunshine. Well know weve achieved our renewable energy goals when the debut of a new photovoltaic array or concentrating solar plant is received with about as much fanfare as a substation upgrade.

Of course, many of us at TEP still get pretty excited about substation upgrades. And our zeal for renewable energy, which took root more than a decade ago, will endure long past the time our customers begin to lose interest.

So for now, while energy from the sun is still considered hot, TEP is offering a number of programs to help our customers transform their enthusiasm for green power into the installed systems that will become an integral part of our local energy infrastructure.

TEP is already recognized as a solar energy leader for its company-owned systems and residential programs, and were looking to build new partnerships with commercial customers to help us meet our renewable energy goals. Thats why we have an impressive variety of incentives and programs designed to help commercial, governmental and nonprofit organizations adopt solar technology.

For customers seeking to install systems of 20 kilowatts (kW) or larger, TEP offers production-based incentives with payment for each kilowatt hour (kWh) produced and revenue streams lasting between 10 and 20 years. When combined with tax benefits provided by the state and federal governments, these incentives can cover up to 85 percent of total project costs.

For commercial customers considering smaller systems, up-front SunShare rebates of up to $2,500 per kW of manufacturers-rated DC capacity can reduce the amount of time it takes to recoup initial investment costs through energy savings.

These incentives appeal to entities both large and small. The Pima County Board of Supervisors, for example, is taking advantage of SunShare incentives to install a 1-megawatt (MW) solar energy system at a facility in northwest Tucson. This new photovoltaic

array will provide clean, green energy for county operations while helping TEP achieve its renewable energy goals.

Tucsons Brooklyn Pizza Company, meanwhile, recently unveiled its own 14,600-watt solar array. The rooftop system generates 24,500 kWh of electric power every year, allowing the restaurant to boast of producing Solar Powered Pizza for its customers in the University of Arizona neighborhood. Financial incentives totaling more than $77,000, including a $36,000 SunShare rebate, covered more than 75 percent of the installation costs.

TEP is also encouraging the development of larger systems by contracting to purchase the renewable energy credits (RECs) they generate. In this way, TEP enabled construction of a 750-kW array at the headquarters of Global Solar, a Tucson-based manufacturer of flexible photovoltaic material. The 6,600-module array, installed in cooperation with Municipal Mortgage & Equity and Solon Corporation, will generate about 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of power each year.

UniSource Energy Corporation, TEPs parent company, also has signed an agreement with Maryland-based SunEdison LLC to purchase the RECs from up to 15 MW of distributed solar power systems built over the next five years. SunEdison is expected to develop ground-mounted systems for commercial customers in areas served by TEP and its sister company, UniSource Energy Services (UES).

While our customers typically favor photovoltaic systems, TEP also offers incentives for other kinds of solar technology. Rebates are available for solar pool heating systems, solar water heaters and even solar space heating or cooling systems.

All these solar energy projects will help TEP pursue goals set by Arizonas ambitious Renewable Energy Standard. The rules adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission call on state utilities to increase the percentage of power they generate from renewable resources until that share reaches 15 percent by 2025. A rising portion of that power must come

Solar Energy on the Rise at TEP Denise SmithDirector of Renewable and Conservation ProgramsTucson Electric Power


from distributed systems, so TEP will continue to seek new solar energy partnerships with its customers.

Weve long recognized that meeting our renewable energy goals will require a team effort. For nearly a decade, our GreenWatts program has offered customers an opportunity to invest in our communitys solar energy assets by adding a donation to their monthly electric bill for as little as $2 per month. Commercial customers can call (520) 623-7711 to sign up and help Tucson become more green. To date, supporters have contributed more than $1.4 million to the program, supporting the development of more than 220 kW of solar power systems at schools, parks and other public places.

Support for solar power has never been stronger, and TEP stands ready to help our customers share the benefits of this promising energy technology. For more information, just visit us online at www.TEP.com.

Denise SmithDirector of Renewable and Conservation ProgramsTEP


1 2

3 4

1 - COX

Cox has completed its 150kw solar energy project a multi-million dollar solar canopy atop the Cox Deer Valley location parking garage.

This project will produce 150 kw of power per year, equivalent to the fuel it takes to power more than 20 homes for a year.

Cox Arizona will save 392,081 lbs of carbon dioxide each year.

3 - MERCEDES-BENZ OF ARROWHEAD

A 50-kilowatt solar power system was installed for the dealership. The solar system generates 35 percent of the retail centers power during off-peak hours and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,180 metric tons over the next 20 years. Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead is the first luxury dealership in the world to have earned the U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification.

2 - PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER

A solar panel system was installed that covers approximately one-third of the two-acre roof atop the centers west building. The solar panels are expected to produce 150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The project cost $850,000.

4 - TOLLESON GATORADE PLANT

Gatorade has both a PV system, which is on the distribution center, and a thermal system on the manufacturing plant.

- PV System: 500-kilowatt system that produces 780,000 kWh of energy per yearenough electricity to power 50 Arizona houses for a year.

- Solar Thermal: Estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 370 metric tons per year. Heats enough water to provide for 279 Arizona homes.

Arizona

SolarProjects


Arizonas solar energy boom that is expected to play out over the next decade is being driven by public energy security and environmental policies led by a year-to-year consumer funded clean energy portfolio requirement as well as technology advances that promise a new generation of more cost effective and reliable solutions. The SFAz Solar Technology Institute (STI), a special initiative of Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz), is participating in this exciting endeavor by providing a pipeline of innovation coupled with a spirit of entrepreneurshipa spirit that arises from close cooperation with universities and U.S. based energy industry to help lower the technology risks and build a viable Arizona solar energy supply chain industrial base.

SFAz STIs approach to innovation is to support the best of the many solid ideas and to do them well. It provides a managed research discipline designed to enhance the flow of new ideas for continued industry development. It is an approach that is well understood by both STI and its sponsored university teams because it is a requirement needed for our organizations to grow and to gain credibility with our customers. The new disciplined innovation approach includes an emphasis on linked university multidisciplinary teams partnered with industry, an understanding of the energy industry, and a well-defined industry-backed technology roadmap. Our university teams have also made it a priority that regional needs shape and inform the research projects that they carry out. During the three-year period of performance, STI will apply a common user-oriented

management structure that assesses performance, probability of success, and transition capabilities linking technology development to industry acceptance requirements and to state energy goals.

The STI approach would not be possible without extensive collaboration with the U. S. based solar energy industry, Arizonas electric service providers and state policy makers. These collaborations offer the most effective way to solve the simultaneous, complex, and daunting set of technology barriers limiting the scale of solar energy in Arizona. For STI, collaborations also offer a way to provide a feedback platform among users, industry, and policy organizations that will accelerate the pace of technology innovation.

In order to develop its collaboration work plan, STI undertook a process to identify specific technology

d e v e l o p m e n t and deployment problems and formed research teams to identify the research capability to attack these problems. Meetings were held at each of the state universities, the utility companies, and the solar industry companies

in Arizona to inventory the states current assets and research strengths relevant to solar energy. Recent studies, reports and analyses of solar energy status and potential in Arizona were reviewed. The recent studies and reports outlining actions needed to cover upstream technology opportunities as

Entrepreneurship Driven Innovation Bud Annan Co-Director - Solar Technology Institute Science Foundation of Arizona


well as resolving the downstream technical and policy barriers provided an excellent foundation for shaping this research plan. Five research university / industry partnership projects were selected for the first research plan.

SFAz STIs plan also includes the creation of a working collaborative - an innovative effort that spans the boundaries between researchers and practitioners. It works with local and state policy makers, resource managers, and industry leaders to help Arizona plan for a solar energy based economy. With applied projects and regular dialogue, the Collaborative will seek to understand the interplay of energy, economic development and quality of life. It offers technical assistance, produces planning studies, policy analyses, and scientific reports, and facilitates applied research to aid decision-making.

Finally, STI seeks to train a new cadre of graduates who are not only highly competent in disciplines related to renewable energy, but also informed about national science and technology policy, and sensitive to the social context of their work. This is the trained workforce needed by all levels of the economy for sustained growth. Our university partners, as they carry out their research projects, will design and implement a coordinated and comprehensive renewable energy education initiative.

1. Establish Arizona as the most comprehensive solar testing and analysis center in the world. 2. Create a process that defines solars growing role in an Arizona electricity grid infrastructure at the Gigawatt scale.3. Develop an innovative and cost effective concentrator photovoltaic system. 4. Design a new generation of thin-film solar cells.5. Define short-term and long-term Arizona based storage options.

They are:

Bud AnnanCo-Director Solar Technology InstituteScience Foundation of Arizona


The Arizona Economic Resource Organization (AERO) is a private/

non-profit corporation created to diversify and transform Arizonas economic development activities, and expand Arizonas globally competitive, knowledge-based economy. AERO is an action-

oriented, private-public partnership driven by private sector and

market-based principles.

One of AEROs most significant initiatives is the work of its Solar Task Force. This Task Force was formed to develop a strategic framework to guide Arizonas efforts to become a world leader in the solar power industry. Specifically, AERO asked the Task Force to (i) clarify the vision for Arizona as a global leader in the solar industry, (ii) describe the strategies through which Arizona can achieve this vision, (iii) recommend major initiatives required to execute the strategies that are outlined and (iv) suggest next steps to begin implementation.

Arizona possesses a unique advantage when it comes to solar power an abundance of sunshine found in very few parts of the world. All things being equal, Arizona can generate solar electricity at a lower cost than regions with less sunshine. The market for solar power can be enormous and Arizona, with its favorable solar resource, land availability, large and growing domestic demand and proximity to California and other western states in need of clean power, is well positioned to develop the worlds leading market for centrally generated solar power. The Southwestern United States has relied heavily upon coal and natural gas for generating fuels, and is now launching aggressive renewable energy programs. The change is timely, as the cost of these conventional fuels has risen dramatically in recent years. A shift from natural gas to solar power will reduce generation cost uncertainty, reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources , and reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions.

The fundamental opportunity for Arizona is to be the first to achieve a sustainable market without the excessive use of the types of subsidies that traditionally have characterized the solar industry a feat we believe is feasible with a focused effort and broad community support. Although market incentives and other subsidies can play transitioning roles, the

fundamental requirement for success is the creation of the technical, market and policy infrastructures that are needed to support a sustainable solar market and a leading industrial base.

In achieving preeminence within the global solar industry, Arizona would necessarily develop a number of enabling technologies and capabilities - ranging from innovations in material sciences and biosciences to novel approaches to policy development and financial engineering that could be leveraged to form market-leading capabilities across a broader set of industries. The development of a world leading solar industry therefore should be viewed as a key step toward Arizonas larger quest for leadership in the global information-driven societies and economies of the 21st Century.

AEROs Solar Task Force is working to implement a set of recommendations that will enable Arizona to move quickly, but thoughtfully, toward global leadership and toward achieving the following vision:

Arizona will become a global leader in incorporating solar power into its energy mix and in exporting high value solar technologies, products and services to global markets. By leveraging its preeminence in the solar power industry, Arizona also will become a global leader in a broad set of industries that characterize the information-based societies and economies of the 21st Century.

Arizona Economic Resource Organization

Sal RiveraExecutive Director Arizona Economic Resource Organization

Sal RiveraExecutive Director

Arizona Economic Resource Organization

Arizona will become a global leader in incorporating solar power into its energy mix and in exporting high value solar technologies, products and services to global markets.


Our nations growing dependence on fossil fuels leaves us vulnerable to factors beyond our control, and intensifies the greenhouse effect.

With more than 300 days a year of sunshine, everyone knows Arizona is perfectly positioned to take advantage of advances in the development and use of solar energy. But our challenge has been to energize the industry to catch, convert and work with our most accessible source of renewable energy.

The University of Arizona is positioned to be a catalyst in this effort. The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees all three state universities, has acted with great foresight in supporting its own Solar Energy Initiative. That, in turn, led to the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (AzRISE) at The University of Arizona and the Solar Power Institute at

Arizona State University.

These programs are forming public-private partnerships to not only

look at research and development but also economic analysis and public policy studies and education for the next generation

solar workforce.

The University of Arizona began on this path to be the most

environmentally sensitive public university in the nation by embracing the goals of sustainability and a clean environment.

The UA started plans with the University of Phoenix and Southwest Solar Technologies for two demonstration sites for solar energy generation. We have an active Campus Sustainability Program and outstanding programs in environmental engineering. Our Institute for the Study of Planet Earth is unequaled in the nation in its study of climate change.

Further, the geology of Arizona lends itself to development of solar energy far beyond the superior climate. In addition to having almost twice the solar irradiance level than that of the East Coast, we also have large underground salt deposits and regions where large differences in elevation exist. The salt basins allow the formation of large, sealed underground caverns for the storage of compressed air produced with solar or wind energy and released at night.

By pairing solar irradiance and Arizona geology, we

have the potential to generate and store enough solar-based energy to power the entire state and export enough energy to power the entire country. The possibilities are astounding.

There are technological problems that must be solved and economic and policy decisions that must be made to move forward. Critical technological advances are required to improve solar conversion devices and demonstrate storage methods.

As part of the effort with AzRISE to develop pilot-plant like demonstration projects, we are testing the integration of solar energy generation systems with adequate energy storage methods. Systems analyses will be developed to design optimized systems that operate at low cost yet produce electricity reliably and meet the demand curve. The demonstration projects will also examine integrated beneficial land use and will include agriculture and biofuels fields with solar powered energy efficient buildings.

The great value of these demonstration sites comes from many directions including the ability to do real economics and test predictive economic models for an integrated generation/storage facility for a central power plant or for a distributed system, the ability to examine the actual operation of the integrated systems and to test the inter-relationships between generation and storage capacities and learn how this changes with various weather patterns. The demonstration sites will be operated by a non-profit consortium directed by The University of Phoenix, Southwest Solar Technologies and AzRISE. Partners will be sought among the utilities, other universities, solar industrial partners and community partners. A location is being considered in Phoenix and one in Tucson.

The University of Arizona must lead by example to increase energy efficiency, adopt renewable energy supplies, and explore ways to better utilize solar energy.

We are ready to move forward and help propel the State of Arizona into the Solar Age.

The University of Arizona

President Robert N. SheltonThe University of Arizona

President Robert N. SheltonThe University of Arizona


Arizona has the potential to become the unrivaled global leader in solar energythe leading center for the development, manufacture, use, distribution, and control of solar-based energy systems on the planet. But in order to become the Silicon Valley of the solar power industry, Arizonans will have to embrace an ambitious new mindset matched with commensurately robust public engagement. Our success will require a hybrid public-private partnership model and a policy-driven market approach. Comprehensive regional planning must dovetail with sound fiscal policies and strategic investment in infrastructure all focused on one common objective: positioning Arizona as the epicenter of the solar industry. It is a commitment that promises abundant economic and social returns.

Fortunately, a strategic framework to guide Arizona toward global preeminence in solar power is already being developed. The Arizona Economic Resource Organization (AERO), a public-private-nonprofit collaboration dedicated to providing guidance for public policy issues related to statewide economic development, released its Solar Task Force Report in November. Not only has this coordinating board articulated a vision for Arizona to leverage its potential in this critically important renewable source of energy, it also describes strategies and recommends the major initiatives that will be required to succeed. The task force further underscores the potential for Arizona to leverage its competitiveness in solar to other innovative technologies.

With projections suggesting the likelihood that within the next quarter-century more than 10 million Americans will call our state home, Arizona must confront a host of challenges as it matures and in terms of population becomes one of the ten largest states in the Union. At its heart, an emerging megapolitan region comprised of multiple interdependent jurisdictionsthe Sun Corridorwill stretch from the Prescott region of Yavapai County south to the border with Mexico. Eight of 10 million Arizonans will call the Sun Corridor home. This vast urban agglomeration promises to power our creativity and innovation and foster socioeconomic gains as we engage competition from throughout the global knowledge economy.

Such rapid urbanization in a fragile semi-arid ecosystem brings with it unprecedented demands for new sources of renewable energy. The advancement of solar energy in Arizona is thus intrinsically interrelated with concerns about the sustainability of

our region. Sustainability represents an opportunity rather than a sacrifice, offering the prospect of new industries, new markets, new and better paying jobs, healthier communities, as well as a better environment. Business and industry need not fear a negative tradeoff between acting sustainably and making profits.

With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, Arizona has the largest solar energy generating capacity in the nation, and Arizona State University has reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy through what will be the largest deployment of solar power infrastructure by any American university. Our transformative and transdisciplinary Biodesign Institute has a number of projects exploring various aspects of solar energy, including a joint project with petroleum giant BP to harvest photosynthetic bacteria to produce renewable liquid fuels, such as biodiesel, and another project to use advanced bacteria to produce biohydrogen. Our researchers are also using nanotechnology to break through the current technological hurdles of solar energy, making the next generation of solar cells more efficient and cheaper to produce. Multiplying these types of academic-government-industry partnerships throughout the leading institutions in America will drive the innovation that will be required to sustain our planet. As we engage competition from across the globe, the path forward will require both strategic collaboration and perpetual innovation, and in both contexts ASU represents a new paradigm for the solution-focused research university of the future.

Arizona is Poised to Become the Global Leader in Solar Energy

President Michael M. CrowArizona State University

President Michael M. Crow Arizona State University


Northern Arizona UniversityNorthern Arizona University (NAU) is located in Flagstaff and offers tremendous resources to the renewable energy industry. Serving as the hub for the entire northern half of the state, NAU offers a centralized location for intellectual capital, business incubation, and close-knit governmental ties. The area has a rich tradition of respecting the environment, and is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world the Grand Canyon. As a Doctoral High-Research Activity university, NAU receives more than $50 million in externally funded research and service activities each year. Sustainability of natural and built environments is one of the core research strengths of the institution, with active funding each year from the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and state and federal land management agencies. Solar With terrain that varies from 3,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation, cooler temperatures, and 300 sunny days per year, Northern Arizona offers ideal conditions for solar research and development. University researchers are active in investigating high-performance materials for the capture and storage of solar energy. The Applied Research & Development (ARD) building, located on the NAU campus, is the greenest building in academia per The Chronicle of Higher Education. This LEED Platinum facility uses natural day lighting for 75 percent of the interior, solar thermal panels for heat, a 156 KW photovoltaic array, and computerized venting windows and roller shades. This building has received national and international recognition and is a living laboratory for our students, faculty, and the green building community. WindThe high flat plains of northeastern Arizona provide the strongest and most reliable wind in the state. The universitys Sustainable Energy Solutions group is a world leader in mapping and analyzing wind resources. Southwest Windpower, the largest manufacturer of small wind turbines in the world, is headquartered in Flagstaff. Their products are used in remote villages, at sea, and anywhere off-grid electricity is needed. The area also houses Foresight Wind Energy, a developer of wind parks throughout the Southwest.

Bio-MassFlagstaff is in the center of the largest stand of ponderosa pine in the world, a resource for the bio-mass industry. Years of fire suppression have provided

for several decades of wood waste supply that is currently being cleared through forest thinning operations in the adjacent Coconino and Kaibab National forests. NAU is in discussion with the Department of Energy to build an on-campus bio-mass plant that would use a new patented technology to transform the wood waste into a viable liquid transportation fuel.

OrganizationsNorthern Arizona also offers a close-knit community of academic and government organizations that focus on action and quick decision making. Some of these organizations include: Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI) creates sustainable economic development by bringing together higher education, business, and the non-profit sector.

Northern Arizona Renewable Energy Group (NAREG) is a public/private cooperative with Arizona Public Service committed to purchasing significant portions of their electricity from renewable sources.

Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) led by Dr. Tom Acker and NAUs engineering and business faculty, has long-standing support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (USDOE), Arizonas electric utility industry, and the Arizona Department of Commerce.

The biennial Southwest Renewable Energy Conference, held at NAU, assembles technical and policy leaders from throughout the West.

NAUs Office of Sustainability creates renewable energy strategies and business development outreach for the region.

John D. HaegerPresident of NorthernArizona University

President John D. Haeger Northern Arizona University


ong ago Phoenix was named Valley of the Sun primarily to attract tourists seeking recreational

or leisure destinations. This image is changing as we realize that Arizonas highly abundant natural re-source, sunlight, can be harnessed to produce large quantities of electricity. This has formed a new a t t r a c t o r to solar energy companies and is form-

ing a significant industry here. ASU is a major force in Arizonas solar trans-

formation with its leading research, educational programs and industry

interactions that accelerate the adoption of solar power into the State.

ASUs Solar Energy research programs span the entire solar supply chain with its activities in basic science, engineering, innovation, technology prototyping,

transitioning technol-ogy and industry support. Technology activities are closely tied to programs in economics, business, government policy and the environment. ASU is unique in that it coor-dinates these interdisci-plinary strengths toward addressing the major global goal of realizing a sustainable society.

There are leading research areas in basic science, materials, energy conversion, electric grid design and analysis, prototyping, economics, construction, environment and policy. Solar Energy research spans the Colleges of Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Design W.P. Carey School of Business Supply Chain Management, Decision Theater and the Biodesign Institute. Within these Colleges there are several Centers which have major solar research efforts.

ASU researchers are leaders in using nanotechnology and applying their knowledge to understand and overcome the current technological hurdles of solar energy, making the next generation of solar cells more effi-cient and cheaper to produce. The Solar Power Labo-ratory builds and studies very high efficiency solar cells and the theoretical limits to their performance. Research on high efficiency silicon and thin-film solar cells is done in close collaboration with industry. The Advanced Photovoltaics Center focuses on low cost, very large area organic solar cells that could be manufactured by conventional printing techniques. The world-renown Photovoltaic Testing Lab has re-cently merged with TV Rheinland to provide so-lar module testing and certification services to the solar industry. It is one of three such labs in the world and has started a major effort in PV module reliability testing. ASU is among the top four uni-versities in the United States in the number of Solar America Initiative R&D Grants won for pho-tovoltaics module testing, advanced solar cell mate-rials and next generation photovoltaic devices. Sci-ence Foundation Arizona is heavily committed to Solar Energy and provides significant matching funds to these efforts.

Solar and renewable power sources produce unique challenges as they become adopted on the large scale. PSERC (Power Systems Energy Research Center) are leaders in the area of power systems simulation, modeling and design of the electric grid and how to do this with solar power. The engi-neering efforts are coupled with economic, land use, policy and economic models to track and predict the factors that govern societal adoption of solar and re-newable energy. Integration of these is performed in the Decision Theater which enables visualization of the intricate interdependencies of these models.

ASU has one of the countrys largest university enrollments and is committed to education at all levels. Renewable Energy curricula are being formed at technical, undergraduate and graduate levels. ASU Polytechnic recently received a $1M National Sci-ence Foundation grant to develop curricula for the high tech work force. Students can pursue Certifi-

Solar Research at ASU

George Maracas, Ph.D.ASU Professor, Solar and Technology Consultantwww.NanArc.com


cate Degrees in Solar Power and Renewables show-ing ASUs awareness and commitment to train skilled workforce in these quickly growing industries. ASU also realizes the importance of industry input into the students development and actively pursues in-ternship programs at companies. Adjunct Faculty positions can be used for a company partner to de-velop courses (and curricula) tailored to the par-ticular industrys needs. ASU has the first School of Sustainability and Global Institute of Sustainability. SoS curricula offer students the opportunity to take courses in cross-disciplinary areas such as technology and business. Community outreach activities accel-erate adoption of new technologies by educating the public that adopting renewable energy and sustain-ability concepts is economically beneficial to them.

ASU has adopted the model of use-inspired research which facilitates transitioning innovative technologies

to industry and forming spin-off companies. As a result, many industry partnerships have been formed augmenting the efforts of both the companies and university. Working closely with municipalities and economic development organizations produces a

cohesive, comprehensive view of what talent and in-centives companies will have if they relocate to Ari-zona. This has a major impact on producing new jobs.

Leadership in sustainability is shown in one way by ASUs commitment to the environment and adoption of solar energy. ASU presently has 1.85MW of installed solar panels which provides the Tempe campus with electricity, lowers carbon emissions and saves money. This is the largest single-campus installation and a model for other universities. Plans are to increase this to over 10MW over all its campuses. ASU received the highest possible Green Rating (99%) by Princeton Reviews for its environmentally-friendly policies, practices and curricula.

The Presidents American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will have a transformational effect on our society. Such legislation will provide the framework for transforming our energy system to make our economy less carbon-intensive, and less dependent on foreign oil. ASU is uniquely poised to support the multi-bil-lion dollar investment in clean energy R&D. This is an exciting time for US Renewable Energy, Solar and especially Solar in Arizona U.S.

Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, issued groundbreak-ing testimony about President Obamas energy plan and whats needed to confront climate change. He ended the testimony by saying: Ultimately, solar will be the answer. The opportunity is before us to be-come global leaders in Solar, create or save thousands of jobs, save the environment and produce a sustain-able society. Arizona CAN become the Solar Capital of the World!

Arizona CAN become the Solar Capital of the World!

George Maracas, Ph.D.ASU Professor, Solar and Technology Consultant

www.NanArc.com


It is estimated that over the next decades, the United States will exhaust most of its reserves of domestic fossil fuels. The depletion of

these resources has led to increased reliance on foreign supplies, which not only weighs heavily on the American economy, but may

potentially pose increased risks to national security. This, combined with climate change and the obvious consequences of the environmentally destructive processes through which we obtain and refine fossil energy, has produced a critical need for alternative, sustainable energy sources.

Arizona State University has made a major commitment to sustainability, and one of the major initiatives within this effort is that of renewable energy. The Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) was established in 2006 through support provided by the Technology Research Infrastructure Fund (TRIF) to accelerate ASUs research capability in renewable energy, to foster innovation and commercialization of renewable energy technologies in the Southwest, and to greatly enhance ASUs visibility nationally and internationally as a renewable energy leader.

AIRE forms a broad umbrella encompassing a number of centers across the university, with a mandate of bringing together the research efforts at the university (individual researchers, groups and institutes) with the purpose of conducting coordinated

transdisciplinary research in different fields of renewable energy including solar energy (photovoltaics and thermal), biofuels,

fuel cells and batteries, energy generation and transmission, energy efficiency, and energy economics and policy. The knowledge base of the center is formed from ASUs cutting edge research experience in these areas combined with collective knowledge in nanotechnology, biosciences, and materials research and development. Research centers currently within AIRE include the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis, the Solar Power Laboratory, the Advanced Photovoltaics Center, the Center for Nanophotonics, and the Center for Renewable Energy Electrochemistry.

Besides a focus on cutting edge renewable energy research, AIRE has a mission to provide outreach and support to the public through talks, seminars, workshops and general information on various aspects of renewable energy. AIRE is engaged with the renewable energy industry as well as working with state and local government in their efforts at expanding solar energy in the region. AIRE is also supporting renewable energy education through the development of a renewable energy curriculum, short courses and training, as well as research experiences for undergraduates and graduates in renewable energy research programs. Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. Arizona is leading the way to develop this resource to its fullest potential as both a key to a sustainable energy future, and an economic driver for the region, and AIRE is working with industry, government and universities to achieve this goal.

For more information please see aire.asu.edu

Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy

Stephen M. Goodnick (M88-SM91-F04) received the B.S. degree in engineering science from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, in 1977, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, in 1979 and 1983, respectively. He was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow with the Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany, and the University of Modena, Modena, Italy, in 1985 and 1986, respectively. He was a faculty member from 1986 to 1997 with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, and served as Chair and Professor of Electrical Engineering with Arizona State University, Tempe, from 1996 to 2005. He served as Deputy Dean for the Ira A. Fulton School of

Engineering during 2005-2006, served as Associate Vice President for Research for Arizona State University from 2006-2008, and currently is Director of the Arizona Institute for Nanoelectronics and Director of the Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy. He has coauthored over 180 journal articles, books, and book chapters related to transport in semiconductor devices and nanostructures. Dr. Goodnick was President of the Electrical Computer Engineering Department Heads Association in 2003-2004, Co-Chair of the IEEE International Microwave Symposium in Phoenix, 2001, and was the Program Chair for the Fourth IEEE Conference on Nanotechnology in Munich in August 2004, and July 2009.

Stephen M. GoodnickDirector of the Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy

Stephen GoodnickDirector of the Arizona Institute for Renewable Energy

Arizona State University


Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available. Arizona is leading the way to develop this resource to its fullest potential as both a key to a sustainable energy future, and an economic driver for the region.

Arizona is now home to the premier performance testing and safety certification organization globally for photovoltaic technology, TV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory. The TV-PTL is a collaborative effort from TV Rheinland of North America Holding, and Arizona State University.

TV Rheinland group, founded in 1872, is a global provider of safety testing and quality assessment services for a variety of manufacturing based industries. TV Rheinland group currently operates in over 60 counties with more than 13,000 employees. TV Rheinland has a long history with photovoltaic testing and currently operates photovoltaic testing laboratories in five major regions across the globe.

Locating to Arizona was an easy choice for TV Rheinland. We look at three primary elements when establishing our business operating units. Business

infrastructure, workforce availability, and the business climatein all three, Arizona excelled. When you couple these three factors with abundance of natural sunshine, the choice was overwhelmingly in Arizonas favor.

An additional key element for TV Rheinland to relocate to Arizona was the relationship with Arizona State University. The original formation of the laboratory was a university operation and dates back to the early 1990s as part of a joint United States Department of Energy and Arizona State University project. In November 25, 1991, Dr. Charles Backus, Dr. Byard Wood, and Mr. Bob Hammond met at

Dennys restaurant in Tempe, Arizona and agreed to establish a Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (PTL) at Arizona State University (ASU) with a start date of January 1, 1992. The original directions included: providing a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with faculty, staff, and students who could perform research related to Photovoltaic (PV) module reliability, durability, and performance and establish the capability to perform qualification testing per all relevant national and international standards. This industry and academic partnership is a very key part of our strategy going forward. Not only do these ties link TV Rheinland to the formation of the solar market in the United States, but we also truly envision that this type of collaborative effort with Arizona State University will allow our TV Rheinland group the ability to stay ahead of the technology changes and shifts in a quickly growing energy marketplace.

Today, under TV Rheinland, the vision of the laboratory is growing to encompass an entire range of testing for many segments of the energy marketplace. As the industry grows, an evolution of products is taking take place from smart grid and distributed grid controllers, to micro power inverters to a range of wireless controlled electronics. These products all support implementation of solar and alternative power into our everyday lives. In our view, consistent with TV Rheinland philosophy, we feel it is highly important to service the entire supply value chain of the energy technology marketplace. In this fashion we provide the most beneficial service to our clients while performing our role as a safety and certification body for the consumers. As we continue to expand our base of business, we see Arizona as one of the prime regions to help foster our growth.

Since 1872 TV Rheinland has a tradition of fostering harmony between man, technology, and the environment. With the addition of the TV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory, we continue that tradition.

For more information please see www.tuvptl.com

TV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory

Richard BozicevichVice President of Business Development

TV Rheinland PTL

Richard BozicevichVice President of Business DevelopmentTV Rheinland PTL


ASEA is on the MoveVivian Harte

ChairArizona Solar Energy Association

he Arizona Solar Energy Association is alive and well! Weve accomplished many things in 2008 and 2009, and we have great opportunities and are making plans for the future. As a non-profit chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, our mission

is to educate the public and advocate for solar energy.

Let me give you an overview of whats been happening recently. Our longstanding seminar series in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills has continued and is attracting more people. They recently covered such topics as installing photovoltaics and energy efficiency in buildings. Tucson has started a new series, with its initial seminar being an in-depth look at the usefulness and cost of photovoltaics. Seminars so far this year have been on water heating, pool heating and solar cooling.

Our Solar Home Tours have also been strong. We either sponsored or co-sponsored solar home tours in seven different Arizona communities last October and November, and we estimate that over 5,000 people attended. Were now in the process of planning our fall, 2009 Solar Home Tours.

We provided information to a large number of people on many fronts. We sent out quarterly newsletters to our members, which included statewide news on solar as well as information on jobs in the solar industry and a calendar of events around Arizona. We also e-mailed numerous Solar Flares to our members with up-to-date information on solar issues. We had several articles in newspapers, such as the Arizona Daily Star and the Green Times. In addition, we appeared on radio and television shows to spread the word about solar energy.

We created one-page double-sided brochures to give to the COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL | 22

Vivian HarteChair, Arizona Solar Energy Association

general public at events. These brochures are on grid-tie photovoltaics, solar ovens, solar water heaters, and passive solar principles. You can download them from our website at arizonasolarenergy.org/pubs.html. Weve taken tables to numerous events around the state in the past few months and given away over 3,000 brochures.

On March 21, 2009, we hosted our Annual Membership Meeting at ASUs Global Institute of Sustainability. George Maracas, the Chief Operating Officer of the Solar Power Laboratory in GIOS, was our speaker. You can view his PowerPoint presentation at our webpage listed in the previous paragraph.

And dont forget advocacy. We spoke before the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Department of Energy in favor of using BLM land for large solar arrays for utilities. We also have been involved in the Solar Partnership in Tucson, which is creating a plan for solar energy in southern Arizona.

So what do we have in store? Many new things. At our meeting in January, 2009, Board members and ASEA members discussed several new programs and fundraising opportunities: doing energy assessments, offering -day and 1-day in-depth workshops on solar topics to homeowners who are getting ready to install solar, and holding specialized seminars for solar professionals. Not all of these will get off the drawing board right away, but the Board is excited about generating more ways to educate Arizonans.

On May 18-22, 2010, the American Solar Energy Society will be holding its national solar conference and trade show at the Phoenix Convention Center. ASEA has coordinated members of the community to serve on the Local Organizing Committee. Our job will be to set up workshops and tours for the public as well as host an outdoor solar demonstration area.

Id like to leave you with some important information. Many people have asked what steps to take to buy a solar product in Arizona. Here they are:

Do all energy conservation and efficiency steps first.

Find a good installer (visit www.arizonasolarcenter.com, Products/Services Directory, Solar Water Heating).

Have the installer visit the site to size the system and give you an estimate.

Sign an Interconnection Agreement with the utility company (photovoltaics only).

Apply for the utility rebate with the utility company.

Get a permit from the City or County.

Have the installation completed.

Inspection by the City or County.

Inspection by the utility company.

Apply for state and federal tax credits after your systemis operational.

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2009 and 2010 promise to be great years for solar energy, and ASEA is right in the thick of things!


In November 2006, the Arizona Corporation Com-mission (ACC) adopted rules to expand the states Renewable Energy Standard (RES) to 15 percent by 2025 with 30 percent of that amount to be derived from distributed energy (DE) technologies. The DE requirement must be derived equally from residential and non-residential sources. To date, most of the growth in Arizonas solar energy industry comes from residential projects, with some utility-scale (non-distributed) projects being contemplated. One major difference between residential and commercial (non-residential) solar PV incentives in areas fall-ing under the ACCs jurisdiction is that residential systems are given a one-time cash rebate equal to $3 per Watt (covering ~40 percent of the system cost) while large commercial systems receive a Performance Based Incentive (PBI) which rewards the solar system owner with $0.25 per kWh produced by the system over a 10-year period, or $0.18 per kWh produced by the system over a 20-year period.

Increasing the volume of Commercial PV installed in Arizona benefits the entire industry.

The problem: In terms of compliance with the tar-gets set by the RES, Arizona falls significantly short. While residential installations are growing at a healthy pace, it is unlikely that we will ever achieve the RES targets without a viable commercial DE sector.

The fix: A single commercial DE project can be the equivalent of hundreds of residential installations. However, at their current levels, PBI rates are not high enough to encourage large-scale adoption of so-lar energy in the commercial sector. This is due in part to the fact that rates for large commercial users can be significantly lower (as much as half, or even less) than for residential customers.

While the gap between commercial electricity rates and the cost of electricity from solar is narrowing, raising the

PBI rates by as little as $0.03 or $0.04 per kWh will have the added impact of closing the gap, and contributing towards the development of a viable commercial solar sector in Arizona. If the concern is that utility rates will continue to rise and eventually create a situation where solar system owners are mak-ing excess profits when the PBI payments are factored in, a simple

formula can be applied whereby the PBI payment decreases proportionally, for every increase in the cost of electricity from the affected utilities.

By incentivizing a solar system owner based on the number of kilowatt-hours a system produces over the long run, this also encour-ages good system design and insures that the objectives of the utility seeking the Renewable Energy Certifi-cates (RECs) and the solar system owner are aligned.

Renewable Energy is the new Real Estate.

The problem: Historically, Arizona has relied on the real estate and construction industries to drive much of the states economic growth. Many of us recognize how this has exacerbated our current situation, and that many of the unemployed workers are skilled trades-people who have run out of projects to build.

The fix: It is important to understand that solar project development utilizes many of those resources and can create jobs without having to subject the labor force to significant retraining. State and mu-nicipal policies that affect solar installations (includ-ing permit fees, application reviews, etc.) should be revisited to insure that they facilitate rather than discourage the development of solar projects.

Case in point: When CarbonFree Technology and its partners developed the largest solar power plant in Arizona which is not utility owned, the project utilized the services of structural and electrical engi-

Why We Need to Support the Creation of a Viable Commercial Solar Energy Sector in Arizona

Lee FelicianoExecutive Vice President

CarbonFree Technology Corporation

CarbonFree Technology is a commercial solar energy project developer, whose accomplishments include developing the largest non-utility owned solar PV por tfolio in Arizona (1.7MW at ASUs Tempe Campus). In 2008, CarbonFree was involved with the development of 13 solar projects (totaling ~ 6 MW) in CA, NJ and AZ having a value of over $40 million.

Lee Feliciano BIO

Lee Feliciano is Executive Vice-President of CarbonFree Technology, a solar energy project developer with offices in the U.S. and Canada. In 2007, Lee formed a company called SolEquity, Inc and was responsible for co-developing (with CarbonFree) the first commercial scale solar installations in the state that were enabled through a Solar Services Agreement (SSA). This arrangement allows a property owner to enjoy the benefits of solar power without incurring any up front capital cost or ongoing operations and maintenance expenses.

SolEquity and CarbonFree merged their operations effective February 1, 2009.

Since 2004, Lee has worked in the solar PV industry in installation, inspection, sales and marketing roles. He is a regular lecturer on the subject of solar energy at Scottsdale Community College, and at Green Building and Solar events across the Valley. He sits on the City of Scottsdale Green Building Advisory Committee, and is an active member of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association.

Lee is an alumnus of Solar Energy Internationals PV Design and Installation workshop and has a BAA in Applied Geography from Ryerson University and a joint MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and Schulich School of Business.

6615 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suites 116-117 Scottsdale, AZ 85250 602-773-1972 www.carbonfreetechnology.com

Lee FelicianoExecutive Vice PresidentCarbonFree TechnologyCorporation

Background

Point #1

Point #2


In both cases, the utility gets to keep the Renewable Energy Certificates or Credits (RECs) for a 20-year period.

Copyright 2009 Lee Feliciano

neers, electricians and steelworkers as well as ancillary services (e.g., security, equipment rentals, etc.), all sourced locally.

Our electricity rate structures encourage waste.

The problem: In Arizona, some large users of electricity are given little incentive to reduce their consumption. In fact, some large users intentionally use more electricity during certain months of the year in order to bring their consumption levels to a point where they get a volume discount (i.e., pay a lower price per kWh once consumption level passes a cer-tain threshold).

The fix: Rate de-coupling the concept of separat-ing a utilitys revenues from its volume of energy sales addresses the conflict that presently exists whereby utilities are asked to promote energy conservation and renewable energy without any compensation for lost revenue. This is a concept that has been around for some time and should probably be revisited.

A more specific example would involve a progressive stepped rate structure whereby the first XX kilowatt-hours of electricity are priced at a very reasonable rate, but higher consumption levels result in a steep price in-crease per kWh. This general approach towards

structuring electricity rates is commonplace in states like California, which happens to be the largest solar PV market in the U.S.

Keeping the first price tier for both residential and commercial electricity rates low also addresses the ar-gument that raising rates will hurt low-income/fixed-income households and/or small businesses. On the large commercial side, this will also encourage utility customers to view solar as a way to eliminate the most expensive part of their electric bill, not necessarily 100 percent.

The above solutions will not cost taxpayers any addi-tional funds (even the increased PBI rates which would tap into existing set asides) and will serve to advance the development of the solar energy market (particular-l

colliers solar energy network az

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