PerfectPower Installs First BIPV High-Rise Solar System in Arizona

PerfectPower Installs First BIPV High-Rise Solar System in Arizona

PerfectPower Inc. has announced that it has designed and installed the first Building Integrated PV (BIPV), high-rise solar electric system in Arizona for the Optima Biltmore Towers project in Phoenix.

“We are proud to unveil Optima Biltmore Towers as the first high-rise solar project in Arizona,” stated David Hovey, award-winning architect, FAIA and president of Optima DCH Inc. “The incorporation of solar panels at Optima Biltmore Towers not only serves a useful purpose by reducing energy costs, but are an aesthetic architectural feature that adds beauty to the building.”

The photovoltaic (PV) system is on the top floor of the towers providing both power and shade for the residents. It is also the first Salt River Project, SRP commercial solar project under its new commercial solar program.

“We mainstream solar technology,” said Lynn Paige, PerfectPower CEO. “This exciting high-rise solar project was part of Optima’s forward thinking and plans, long before any big rate increases were announced last year. Optima’s interest and track record in sustainability and design excellence, makes a bold statement about the addition of solar to the project while providing it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. It is a win-win for Optima and their residents. Clearly differentiating themselves from the rest of the market, Optima shows design leadership in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in Arizona.”

“PV equates to and delivers energy pricing stability in an unstable cost environment. We are seeing a growing number of new construction and retrofit projects coming to the installation stage this year. We see 2006 as a watershed year for commercial solar electric. PV will become a part of many new commercial and industrial projects because it is a smart business practice and makes sound fiscal sense. PV systems pay for themselves in a reasonable amount of time, provide free, clean, reliable energy, and will pay for themselves five or more times over their 40 year life with a minimum of maintenance,” says John R. Balfour, president of PerfectPower.

“A growing number of clients are, building owners, developers and out of state businesses. They see that utility rebate programs and the new 30 percent federal commercial tax credits make 'the numbers work.' PV adds value to their projects while stabilizing operations costs for decades. Arizona businesses are asking for the financial analysis, evaluating what works and how it pencils out on their balance sheets. The rapid growth in PV will continue for at least two decades with more commercial projects adding solar each year until it becomes as common as high efficiency lighting.”

Published 05/25/2006