APS partners First Solar on 50MW solar-fueled battery in Arizona

APS and First Solar are all set to bring 50 MW solar- fueled battery to the desert to provide clean power to Arizonans making it the home to one of the largest battery storage systems in the country.

First Solar will build and operate this flagship facility that includes a 65-MW solar field to charge the battery. APS has signed a 15-year power-purchase agreement with First Solar that will enable APS to use the stored battery power when energy use is at its peak later in the day. First Solar and APS will be able to store power when the sun is high in the sky and deliver it to customers between 3 and 8 p.m.when the sun is on its way down, but energy use is peaking. This means that APS customers can get more of their peak power from solar.

Don Brandt, Chairman, President and CEO of APS said “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.”

Mark Widmar, First Solar’s Chief Executive Officer 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.”