Arizona's net generation from solar energy ranked second in the nation in 2017, behind
California. The State of Arizona, including the JLUS Project Area, has some of the highest
solar energy potential in the U.S., second only to Nevada.
Large solar generation facilities have already been constructed in the JLUS Project Area
and there is a strong likelihood of future solar generation construction in the region. A
large‐scale solar facility was recently opened near Red Rock by the Arizona Public Service
Company. It can produce 40 MW of electricity. While this solar energy facility is near
both SBAH and Picacho Peak Stagefield, AZARNG helicopter pilots generally avoid
overflights of the area.
The Pinal Central Solar Energy Center is located on 257 acres of land in Casa Grande and
has a 20MW capacity. In addition, the facility has a 10 / 40MW energy storage power
plant that utilizes battery storage systems manufactured by Tesla. While this facility is
outside the JLUS Project Area it is indicative of the growth of solar energy generation in
Pinal County.
Several potential future solar farm projects are being considered by the Pinal County
Board of Supervisors and would require modifications to the Pinal County Comprehensive
Plan for land use, as well as zoning district changes. The projects are:
Energy One Casa Grande Solar Facility, a 429‐acre facility in Casa Grande with
approximately 75MW capacity.
Energy Three San Tan Solar Facility, a 735‐acre facility in the San Tan Valley with
approximately 100MW capacity.
Casa Grande Solar Facility, a 795‐acre site located near the southern edge of
Casa Grande with approximately 100MW capacity.
Solar Farm Near Red Rock, AZ
Source: Florence Blade‐Tribune,
August 2018
The AZARNG fly helicopters throughout the JLUS Project Area, operating at and near
SBAH, Picacho Peak Stagefield, Rittenhouse Training Site, and FMR. In addition, the
military conducts helicopter training across the 3,600 square mile Tactical Flight Training
Area (TFTA), located in southern Pinal County that includes day and night helicopter
training routes. Low level helicopter operations are routine in the TFTA. Chapter 3 of
this Background Report provides additional information on the AZARNG mission footprint
and helicopter training activities in the JLUS Project Area, and the extent of the TFTA is
illustrated on Figure 3‐14.
The development of solar energy generation facilities as source of alternative energy is
important to Pinal County and Arizona as a source of economic development and
renewable energy. Current Arizona law requires electric utilities to generate 15 percent
of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. While there continues to be debate
regarding renewable energy in the state, it is likely future requirements will continue to
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