Independent power producer sPower recently announced the opening of Sandstone Solar, in conjunction with Salt River Project (SRP).

sPower, which is based in Utah, owns and operates Sandstone Solar.

SRP has contracted to purchase all of the 45 megawatts generated by the photovoltaic facility.

Sandstone Solar uses photovoltaic modules mounted on a tracking system that rotates to follow the sun. The 182,000 modules generate 45 megawatts, which can supply more than 8,000 homes with green energy.

"The addition of renewable, clean energy from Sandstone helps us achieve our goal of providing our customers with a diverse portfolio of affordable and reliable energy," SRP General Manager and CEO Mark Bonsall said.

SRP serves more than one million customers in the Phoenix area. It is a community-based nonprofit utility company -- the third largest of its type in the nation. Its board has resolved to convert 20 percent of its electricity to sustainable resources by 2020. SRP is already using a variety of resources, including hydro, solar and wind power, to provide 14 percent of its electricity.

"SRP’s progressive approach to expanding its renewable energy portfolio should serve as an example to other utilities," sPower CEO Ryan Creamer said. "From start to finish, SRP has been an outstanding and collaborative partner. We are particularly proud of Sandstone Solar as it is our largest single-site solar facility to date."