To test-market new large-scale solar installations for Arizona that could potentially be developed as commercial partnerships, Arizona Public Service Company (APS) issued a request for proposals (RFP) late last week from potential development partners.

The project will involve the development, construction and startup of a photovoltaic solar facility generating up to 40 megawatts, set to be built in Red Rock, Arizona.

The state is regarded as prime solar-energy development territory, with one of the  nation’s highest solar-penetration rates per capita. One of APS’ long-term pursuits has involved discovering how to most efficiently capture and harness solar energy for customer use, and its RFP seeks developers to build a new facility.

“This is another important opportunity to extend Arizona’s leadership in solar energy,” Daniel Froetscher, APS' senior vice president of transmission and distribution operations and customers, said. “Many of our large customers are interested in getting more of their electricity from solar. Large-scale solar plants are the most cost-effective way to meet that desire.”

Interested parties may submit proposals for the project through Nov. 2. Applicants are encouraged to participate in a bidder’s webinar Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. MST. Additional information about the webinar and the RFP is available online at aps.com/rfp.

As Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, APS serves nearly 1.2 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp.