TEP Expands Local Solar Power Network with New 60-kw System

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2005--Tucson Electric Power Co. (TEP) has helped expand Tucson's solar generating capacity with a new 60-kw photovoltaic system in the heart of downtown.

The array, which sits atop the new Pennington Street Parking Garage, will generate enough electricity to power almost 10 homes. The system's output will provide power for the garage while helping TEP satisfy an obligation to produce an increasing percentage of its energy from renewable resources.

"TEP is committed to developing renewable energy resources in southern Arizona," said Steve Glaser, senior vice president and chief operating officer of transmission and distribution at TEP. "We're working closely with our customers as well as schools and local governments to encourage investment in 'green' power projects like this one."

TEP is providing a significant portion of the up-front funding for the project with a $100,000 contribution toward construction of the $420,000 system. The system's output will help TEP meet a requirement to expand its use of renewable energy under Arizona's Environmental Portfolio Standard.

The system, designed by American Solar Electric Co. of Phoenix, includes 360 Kyocera 167-watt solar panels connected to 10 Sunnyboy inverters. The panels are installed on the roof of the parking garage, facing south at a 20 degree angle to maximize exposure to sunlight.

TEP, a subsidiary of UniSource Energy Corp. (NYSE: UNS), provides safe, reliable power to more than 380,000 customers in southern Arizona. For more information, visit TEP.com. For more information about TEP's renewable energy programs, visit greenwatts.com.