APS Helps the Grand Canyon Go Solar
Solar Panels Installed on the Park’s Visitor Center
GRAND CANYON, Ariz.--(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.”
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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)
May 21, 2009
APS Helps the Grand Canyon Go Solar
Solar Panels Installed on the Park’s Visitor Center
GRAND CANYON, Ariz.--(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)