Tucson Electric Power (TEP) plans to incorporate 6MW of new C7 Tracker technology into a Southern Arizona facility under a modified agreement that also include 2MW of SunPower’s T5 Solar Roof Tile technology.
SunPower was contracted to deliver 11MW of rooftop solar technology to TEP, according to the existing agreement between the two companies.
Carmine Tilghman, TEP renewable resources and programs director, said the company is committed to developing solar energy in Southern Arizona by utilising innovative technologies.
"SunPower’s C7 Tracker provides us a great opportunity to expand our solar development while providing our customers with cost-effective renewable energy," Tilghman added.
"This project, which will be owned by TEP, will assist the company in reaching its goal of incorporating more than 200MW of solar energy into its system by the end of 2013."
The SunPower C7 Tracker, a solar photovoltaic tracking system, combines single-axis tracking technology with rows of parabolic mirrors that reflect light onto the SunPower Maxeon solar cells.
The company said its C7 Tracker, capable of concentrating the sun’s power seven times and delivering the lowest levelised cost of electricity for utility-scale solar projects, includes modular solar cell receivers allowing for future performance upgrades.
Howard Wenger, SunPower regions president, said: "The SunPower C7 Tracker leverages two decades of experience in reliable tracking systems to deliver bankable technology, guaranteed performance and the greatest return on investment for utility customers."
Installation of the C7 Tracker will start in January 2013 and it is expected to be operational by December 2013.
