SVSS Helps Navopache Electric with Solar Initiative

The Navopache Electric Cooperative (NEC) recently unveiled its fourth solar energy deployment with the commissioning of a 115kW array at its headquarters near Lakeside, Arizona.  Designed and installed by Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions, NEC’s latest solar installation further solidifies its position among a growing list of utilities, increasing its clean energy capacity through a concerted investment in solar.  

As a non-profit, member-owned power distribution cooperative, NEC serves over 32,000 members and approximately 40,000 meters across the White Mountains of eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.

NEC’s latest solar initiative—commissioned in mid-2015—joins three existing solar installations that the utility has executed across eastern Arizona in recent years.

 “We were already planning to add shade to our parking area when we decided to combine that effort with another solar investment,” explained Randall Lewis, who served as NEC’s project manager for their latest green energy effort. “We’ve seen significant impact from our four previous solar projects and were eager to make a similar clean energy investment at our main headquarters.”

While the NEC project attracted interest from solar design and installation firms across the southwest, the contract was ultimately awarded to Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions.

“Sun Valley Solar was the most responsive, offered a high degree of technical understanding, and a great balance of value and quality,” said Lewis. 

The final design incorporates more than 356 SunPower solar modules and provides the utility with an estimated 203,218kWh of clean electricity annually. That’s the equivalent of C02 emissions from nearly 151,000 pounds of coal burned.

The SunPower modules are installed on two custom-engineered parking structures that provide shade for the utility’s boom trucks and employee vehicles fleet.

Construction broke ground in late 2014, with asphalt, main support structures, conduit, and trenching completed before cooler temperatures put the project on hiatus until spring. Overhead structures, panels, and inverters were installed with grid connection, and commissioning was completed by the summer of 2015.

“From beginning to end, Sun Valley Solar Solutions’ professional, engineering-focused approach instilled confidence, while exceptional project management kept things on schedule,” added Lewis. “Even when we encountered a slight technical glitch with one of our inverters, Sun Valley Solar responded quickly and provided excellent communication throughout the repair process.”

After more than six months of operation, NEC couldn’t be happier with its decision to go solar. 

“NEC is very committed to solar, and we’re proud to have taken another bold step toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for our company and our community,” concluded Randall.

Are you interested in learning about solar for your business? We invite you to schedule a consultation with our commercial solar team member.