Phoenix Suns joins EI Solutions, Tioga Energy on solar

PASADENA & SAN MATEO, USA: EI Solutions, a leader in smart solar solutions, and Tioga Energy, a leading renewable energy services provider, announced plans to provide the Phoenix Suns with the power of the sun.

The companies will install a 194-kilowatt solar system to supply power to the team’s home arena, US Airways Center, which is owned by the City of Phoenix. The project was formally announced by Suns guard and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr, Arizona Public Service CEO Don Brandt and Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson.

”Our goal for Phoenix is to become the first sustainable city of the 21st Century. With this project, we have taken another step toward a sustainable Downtown, powered by renewable energy sources,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “Thanks to the Suns and APS, the US Airways Center solar project joins other large installations, such as the one at the Phoenix Convention Center, in reducing our city’s carbon footprint.”

EI Solutions will design and install the new solar electric system, which will consist of 1,125 high performance Suntech panels located on the fifth level of the US Airways Center parking garage. EI Solutions’ design calls for the panels to be installed on elevated carport structures, which will provide approximately 18,000sqft of shaded parking for cars in addition to producing enough clean, renewable energy to power the equivalent of 26 Suns home games each season.

Tioga Energy will help the Suns use solar energy to manage electricity costs through a SurePath™ Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Through the SurePath PPA, Tioga Energy will finance, own and operate the new solar energy system and sell the power generated to the arena under a long-term contract. The third-party finance arrangement enables the Suns to avoid large upfront system costs as well as the ongoing maintenance responsibilities typically associated with solar energy. As a result, the Suns receive immediate energy savings and a hedge against future electricity price volatility.

“In addition to being leaders on the court, the Suns are taking the lead in realizing long-term energy needs and the financial and environmental benefits of solar power,” said Paul Detering, Tioga Energy CEO. “Through the PPA agreement Tioga is able to accelerate and simplify solar adoption, allowing the Suns to focus on winning basketball games rather than the performance of their solar power system.”

“We are particularly appreciative of the leadership shown by APS in pursuing this project and for their continued support of solar energy as a viable resource for Arizona,” said Steve Chadima, executive vice president for external affairs at EI Solutions. “We are also grateful to the Arizona Corporation Commission for their vision in adopting the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, which will enable APS to provide incentives for this project and establish a thriving solar industry in the state.”

"The Phoenix Suns are leading the way for Arizona in fighting the effects of climate change on the environment,” said Roger Efird, President of Suntech America. "We are delighted that Suntech products will be used to showcase the benefits of solar energy to the Suns fans and city residents."

This new solar energy system is part of ongoing environmental commitment held by the Phoenix Suns and the City of Phoenix. By converting sunlight into clean electricity, the system is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 440,000 pounds each year, the equivalent of planting 46 acres of pine trees.

Arizona utility APS will provide support in the form of a financial incentive through the Renewable Incentive Program approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. APS will also work with the companies on safe interconnection to the grid, and will promote renewable energy through existing marketing partnerships with the Suns organization and the City of Phoenix.