What’s new in your industry?
Recently SOLON has been investigating the role that energy storage can play in our systems. As photovoltaic plants continue to get larger, reducing intermittency and controlling their output becomes more important to our utility customers. With our local partners, Tucson Electric Power and AzRISE, we are developing our Energy Storage Management & Test site here in Tucson to investigate different storage technologies and how we can utilize them to deliver even greater value with each of our power plants.
What is the economic forecast for your industry?
It’s an exciting time to be a part of solar energy because this clean, renewable energy source is experiencing massive growth and helping the country achieve greater energy independence. The photovoltaic business is growing at 60 percent per year – and Arizona has consistently been in the top three or four states for solar development.
What is your company/industry doing to make Tucson a better place to live?
Solar is a clean, sustainable and abundant energy source that creates jobs, has zero emissions and creates a better environment in which to live. Based on solar energy, SOLON provides economic development by focusing on the growth of our core business (designing and building solar power systems), investing in new
product development, and capitalizing on this emerging market.
Why is your industry strong in the Tucson region? What can be done to make it even stronger?
Arizona is an obvious location for solar, with more than 350 days of sunshine a year, and Tucson is an important geographic center in the growth of photovoltaic technology. This has been made possible not only by the companies developing photovoltaic solutions, but also by state and local officials and our local utility, TEP. The core of making Tucson stronger is back to fundamentals – improving our K-12 educational system and raising awareness of renewable energy.
What is your personal passion as it relates to our economy and Tucson’s future?
My personal passion relates primarily to the growth of SOLON – knowing that in a small way SOLON’s success promotes Tucson’s success. I get a great feeling when I shake the hand of a construction worker who is building one of our solar power plants. They are thankful for a good paying job and a chance to help make our planet better. We are stewards of our environment.