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| - HIDE EXPLANATION |
Project Details:Top
| Utility Name: |
Arizona Public Service
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| Utility Type: |
IOU
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| Funding Source(s): |
Rate-Based Funding
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| State: |
Arizona | AZ
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| Region: |
West
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| Utility Program(s): |
Centralized Solar System: Photovoltaic,Solar Energy Credits (RECs, etc),Research, Demonstration, Resource Assessment, etc
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| Technology: |
PV,CSP
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Project Description:Top
In 1985, Arizona Public Service (APS) constructed the Solar Test and Research (STAR) facility, a research and demonstration site to test various solar power equipment.
The location of STAR is adjacent to a substation in Phoenix,
Arizona, which allows for grid interactive testing. Initially the
facility tested individual PV panels and components, including the
modules, inverters, transformers, and monitoring equipment. Today
the focus of the facility is to test complete PV systems-
understanding performance, reliability and how to drive down
overall costs. High concentration and tracking PV systems are
tested as well.
Additionally, APS utilizes the STAR center to test remote and
hybrid PV systems prior to field installation. PV equipment
manufacturers are able to use the STAR center to test their own
materials by acquiring special permission from APS.
In addition to being a testing facility, there is a 480kW PV system
at the site that provides electricity to the adjacent substation.
APS owns the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) produced by this
system.
This is the primary test site for utility PV in the country, APS
partners with other utilities on testing and product development.
The information gathered at STAR is shared and is applicable
nationwide, thus eliminating the need for peer utilities to
implement a similar test site. Interested utilities should contact
APS staff to consider developing a testing project.
STAR fulfills two of APS` goals 1) to be seen by customers as a
forward thinking utility, monitoring leading-edge technology as
well as from a utility perspective to 2) expand their expertise in
emerging renewable energy technologies.
Public tours of the STAR facility are given on request, and the
facility is in the flight path at Phoenix International airport for
landings. Look for it out your window when the plane is descending
and within a few hundred feet of the ground.

Project Links:Top
General Project Description: http://tinyurl.com/43yhh6
Virtual Tour: http://www.aps.com/my_community/STARTour/default.html?seq=1
Media Fact Sheet: http://www.aps.com/my_community/STARTour/default.html?seq=1
More Information:Top