By John Grabo, Director of Business Development, University of AZ Research Parks

The longer I work in business development, the more I appreciate what the public and private sectors can accomplish when they work together. As proof, I can now point to hundreds of square yards of concentrated solar photovoltaic systems at the UA Tech Park that are turning Arizona’s biggest natural resource – sunshine – into electricity.

The 2-megawatt power plant facility at the SolarZone at  the University of Arizona Technical Park is the largest concentrated photovoltaic solar power plant in the country. It will produce enough energy to power more than 500 Tucson-area homes serviced by Tucson Electric Power. The facility will offset more than 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. It became a reality through the cooperative efforts of the University, local and state officials, the local power utility and Amonix.

The Amonix installation shows how universities can create the conditions for the right private sector partner to come in and fill a need – in this case, Arizona’s need to develop its renewable energy resources.

“All of the folks in this community are looking for industries that are going to support the environment while also creating good job opportunities,” said Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll.

Ray’s comment was among many in that vein at the facility’s dedication, where I was also invited to make a few remarks. Appearing on behalf of the public sector were Bruce Wright of the University of Arizona; State Rep. Daniel Patterson; and Tucson City Councilor Shirley Scott. Private sector speakers included Carmine Tilghman of Tucson Electric Power and Joe Snell of industry group TREO (Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities). Amonix CEO Brian Robertson and Chairman/CTO/Founder Vahan Garboushian also spoke to praise the cooperation that led to the facility’s construction.

To hear their descriptions of the project, its impact on the Tucson area, and how public-private cooperation brought it to the Solar Zone, please see please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s37BA7eF8ZU.