Advanced solar battery will provide electricity to Arizona customers during peak hours in the desert
A partnership between Arizona Public Service (APS) and First Solar will soon bring a 50 megawatt (MW), solar-fueled battery to the desert to better meet the electricity demands of customers during peak hours in the summer months.
First Solar plans to construct and operate a facility, which will include a 65 MW solar field to charge the 50 MW battery. APS, meanwhile, has entered into a 15-year purchase agreement that will supply its customers with solar energy during peak hours, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., during the summer months.
“Partnering with an Arizona company such as First Solar to pair solar power with advanced battery storage is good for our customers and continues our state’s national leadership in clean energy innovation,” Don Brandt, chairman, president and CEO of APS, said.
The advanced battery technology is intended for use in states that see 300 days of sunshine a year. It allows for solar power to be stored for evening use, when demand is highest.
“First Solar has long been a global leader in the deployment of utility-scale solar,” Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, said. “Through this innovative project, we are excited to partner with APS to demonstrate the capabilities of solar coupled with large-scale battery storage. Together, these technologies highlight the significant role for solar in providing reliable, cost-effective energy.”