Solar Energy Industry Report for Arizona

Colliers International-Greater Phoenix, a commercial real estate firm, recently issued a solar energy report for the state of Arizona. While I didn’t read the entire report, the overarching message is that Arizona is positioned to become a leader in the solar industry. This is a far cry from the position Arizona was in earlier this year. Several months ago, I actually wrote about the challenges Arizona was facing in becoming a leader in the solar industry and the steps that needed to be taken to better position our state (according to government officials and industry experts). Obviously, the wheels were set in motion and action has been taken, because Arizona has gone from being entirely behind the eight ball to now being in the running for leadership status. Industry experts are actually hopefull that solar energy will become one of the state’s economic engines. Aside from the obvious abundance of sunshine, there are several other factors according to the solar energy report that give Arizona a fighting chance. By 2025, APS and SRP must produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources, with 30% coming from rooftop solar systems. Based on these figures, Arizona has one of the most aggressive renewable energy standards in the country. The renewable industries bill that was passed this year provides competitive incentives for solar companies to choose Arizona as their home base. Something that I wasn’t aware of is that ASU houses the World’s first school of sustainability, in addition to their renowned solar power and photovoltaic testing laboratories. Governor Brewer also commented in the report that money from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Energy Act will be used for public building solar projects and a grant program for commercially created renewable energy. These factors combined, among many others, help to position Arizona has a driving force in the solar industry. The full report can be found at www.colliers.com/phoenix

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