subject: Renewable Energy in Arizona [print this page] Renewable Energy in Arizona Renewable Energy in Arizona
Arizona is many times described as the solar capital of the United States. It has enormous potential to develop solar and renewable energy. Unfortunately, Arizona is still a bit behind with fulfilling it's potential and didn't manage to reach its clean energy targets. At the same time, the local government is pushing forward and concluded a passage of a renewable energy portfolio standard that is aimed toward accelerating developments of renewable energy in Arizona. A number of large-scale solar energy projects have gone under way and more are planned to go ahead in the future.
Other than the large-scale solar projects there are also thousands of small-scale photovoltaic projects being developed in Arizona. Solar panels provide a great economical solution for generating electricity in rural areas of the state that are out of reach of the main grid. Solar generated energy also helps reducing electric loads in peak times during the year.
There are promising areas for developing wind energy in Arizona, Mainly along the eastern border of the state. Communities residing in rural areas have also been able to benefit from installing wind turbines, generating electricity for their households. There are over 80,000 acres of windy land. In the past there have been arguments about using these lands for other purposes involving agriculture, but in recent years farmers have embraced the idea of installing wind turbines on farm land as part of their economic growth and the positive effects it has on the environment.
Arizona has the potential and resources almost equal to the ones available in California when it comes to renewable energy. Now it is facing a challenge to fulfill its potential for becoming a leader in renewable energy in the United States, at the same time the state's efforts to introduce new reforms that encourage clean energy investments will help provide clean energy for its 6.8M Arizonans.
