Arizona is continuing to make more and more progress in taking advantage of its ample sunlight to develop new solar energy plants.

According to Arizona Public Service Company, the utility company plans to develop an 18-megawatt solar energy plant in Gila Bend, which is about 70 miles Southwest of Phoenix.

The utility indicated that it will own the plant, which will be sited in Gila Bend's new Solar Overlay Zone, which is a fast-track permitting area for photovoltaic projects. According to the utility, permitting is expected to take about three months as opposed to the usual one or two years.
The project will be developed by Solon Corporation, which is located in nearby Tucson.

Construction is expected to start early next year with an eye on being completed by next November.

"This project enables APS to continue building its renewable energy portfolio and helps us develop Arizona's vast solar resources," said APS President and COO Don Robinson. "Our customers will benefit for years to come from this partnership between APS, Solon and Gila Bend."