FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
| Lori Stofft | |
| Public Relations and Marketing Director | |
| Arizona Western College | |
| Phone: (928) 314-9595 | |
| Cell (928) 246-4834 | |
| Email: lori.stofft@azwestern.edu |
AWC Announces Historic Solar Array Installation, Curriculum, Partnership
Yuma, Arizona (March 2, 2010) – In the next 11 months, Arizona Western College will install the single biggest solar array on a U.S. college or university, in collaboration with PPA Partners, Inc.
Combined with the existing rooftop solar array on the AWC Agriculture and Science Complex, the total solar installation at the college will be 5 megawatts, and will generate enough energy during daylight hours annually to cover 100% of the college’s energy needs.
The new 4.995 megawatt array will also be a testing site for manufacturers from around the world, as well as the foundation for local education and workforce development in renewable energy technology and engineering.
The unique characteristics of the planned array make the project truly historic.
“From the multiple technologies that will keep pace with changes in the industry, to the constant data that will be available both in the classroom and to manufacturers, this array has the potential to not only change the face of the economy in Yuma, but to impact solar education and research on a national and global level.” said AWC President Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
The planned installation includes multiple photovoltaic technologies, private test beds for corporate and government comparisons, and access for students and researchers. Curriculum is in development for related education ranging from workforce development and occupational certificates to an associate’s degree. Plans to partner with four-year university programs for Bachelor and Master’s degrees are also underway.
Financial incentives from APS’s Renewable Energy Incentive Program are helping defray nearly half the cost of the solar system. APS also has been working closely with AWC and PPA to bring the project to fruition. ”It takes a collaborative effort to ensure that the many benefits of renewable energy are leveraged in our community. This project takes us one step closer to creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona,” noted Andrea Bereznak, APS Community Development Manager.
Additional benefits to the installation include local and regional access to the participating companies that are pioneering solar technologies, manufacturing and installation.
For community members who are interested in more information about the solar installation, there is a community meeting planned for Wednesday night, March 3, at 6:00pm in the Schoening Conference Center in the College Community Center (3C).
For more Information contact Lon Stofft. AWC Director of Public Relations & Marketing, at 928-314-9595, 928-246-4834 or lori.stofft@azwestem.edu
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