City of Tucson Water Department and Trico Electric Launch 1-Megawatt SunPower Solar Installation
On April 21, 2011, the City of Tucson Water Department partnered with Trico Electric Cooperative and SunPower Corporation to dedicate a cutting-edge 1-megawatt solar power system, doubling the city’s photovoltaic capacity.
Built on a 10-acre site of former farmland owned by the city, the installation sits within Tucson Water’s underground storage and recovery facility, about 20 miles west of downtown. This project marks a major step toward the city’s long-term goals for sustainability, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship. Interim Tucson Water Director Andrew Quigley praised SunPower’s ability to deliver “cost-effective, clean energy” that benefits both the environment and the community.
Innovative Financing Model
The project uses a power purchase agreement (PPA) in which Wells Fargo owns the system, while SunPower handles its design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Trico Electric contributed incentives through its SunWatts renewable energy program. This structure means Tucson pays for the clean electricity at rates comparable to existing bulk retail prices—without any upfront capital costs.
To further strengthen the renewable energy impact, Trico Electric Cooperative purchases all of the renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the system.
Technology That Boosts Output
According to SunPower’s president of residential and commercial operations, Jim Pape, the new array is designed to “reliably produce clean energy for years to come,” reinforcing Tucson’s role in advancing Arizona’s renewable energy goals. The installation uses SunPower Tracker® technology, which automatically follows the sun’s movement. This innovation increases electricity generation by up to 25% over fixed-tilt systems while optimizing land use.
Integrated with Water Management
The solar farm is located within the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP)—a large-scale water storage and recovery system. Using water supplies from the Central Arizona Project aqueduct, CAVSARP delivers renewable drinking water to Tucson residents, creating a unique synergy between clean energy production and sustainable water management.
This collaboration among Tucson Water, Trico Electric, and SunPower demonstrates how forward-thinking partnerships can deliver long-term environmental benefits without burdening taxpayers. It’s a model other municipalities can follow to integrate renewable power into essential public services.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Cities
The 1-megawatt solar power system in Tucson is more than a renewable energy project—it’s a proof of concept. By combining forward-thinking technology, innovative financing, and strong public–private partnerships, the city has shown that clean energy can be deployed without straining public budgets. The integration with critical water infrastructure makes the project even more impactful, serving as a model for how cities can address multiple sustainability challenges at once.
As urban areas face rising energy demands and climate pressures, Tucson’s approach offers a clear path forward. It shows that with the right partnerships, advanced solar technology, and creative funding, municipalities can deliver lasting benefits for residents, protect natural resources, and lead the way toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
