APS Helps the Grand Canyon Go Solar
GRAND CANYON, Ariz., May 18, 2009 -- BUSINESS WIRE
Arizona Public Service (APS) is bringing together two of the state's most
recognizable features - the Grand Canyon and the sun - as the Grand Canyon
National Park goes solar.
Eighty-four photovoltaic solar panels are now operational on and around the
Grand Canyon Visitor Center, providing the building with approximately 18
kilowatts (kW) of electricity. The panels provide enough energy to offset 30
percent of the Visitor Center's electricity use.
"This project is symbolic of the commitment we have at APS to environmental
protection, sustainability and to make Arizona the solar capital of the
world," APS President and Chief Operating Officer Don Robinson said today at
a celebration event hosted by the National Park Service. "We selected the
Grand Canyon for this project because of the opportunity that exists there
to educate so many people from around the world about renewable energy."
Located both on the Visitor Center's roof and on ground-mounted platforms
adjacent to the building, the panels will be seen by the more than 4.5
million people who visit the Canyon each year.
"A great partnership was created when Grand Canyon National Park and APS
came together for this project," said Steve Martin, Grand Canyon National
Park Superintendent. "This solar installation is a shining example of the
park's commitment to protecting the environment through the use of renewable
energy. The Visitor Center is the perfect location, making the panels
visible to all guests, providing an opportunity to educate and inspire."
Funding for the panels and their installation came from APS customers
through APS' Green Rates and the Arizona Corporation Commission's Renewable
Energy Standard.
APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about
1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its
second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational
excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric
Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious
honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)
SOURCE: Arizona Public Service
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