Tucson Electric Power (TEP) said last week it is seeking bids to design and build large renewable energy resources such as a community-scale solar array that could supply power to more than 20,000 homes.

TEP issued a request for proposals that would allow the company to purchase power from a solar plant offering up to 100 megawatts of capacity. The project, which could be built within TEP’s territory or tied into existing facilities, would boost TEP’s solar resources by up to 40 percent.

“We’re working to provide more solar power for more customers for less money,” Carmine Tilghman, senior director of energy supply and renewable energy, said. “This new solar facility will help us achieve our renewable energy goals while preserving safe, reliable and affordable service for our community.”

The proposal aims to begin producing power at such a facility in 2019. TEP is aiming to have at least 30 percent of its power coming from renewable resources by 2030.

Prices for solar power from large facilities and purchased through long-term agreements cost only 25 percent of what they did just five years ago.