According to Arizona Public Service, the utility recently helped install 84 photovoltaic panels on and around the park's visitor center, which attracts more than 4.5 million travelers each year. The panels are expected to generate enough power to meet about 30 percent of the center's electric needs, or about 18 kilowatts.
"We selected the Grand Canyon for this project because of the opportunity that exists there to educate so many people from around the world about renewable energy," said APS Chief Operating Officer Don Robinson in a statement.
Some of the panels are mounted on a solar roof array, while others are located on the ground nearby. Funding for the project reportedly came from Arizona ratepayers as part of the utility's Green Rates program.
While the overall amount of energy generated by the project is relatively small, it helps to further solidify Arizona's standing as one of the emerging nationwide leaders in solar energy technology. A number of power plants and research projects are also currently being developed in the state.
