Overview
Avalon Solar is a 29 MW operational solar PV facility in the United States, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Avalon Solar is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the United States, with coordinates near Tucson, Arizona. The facility has an installed capacity of 29 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for utility solar installations in the U.S. It is owned and operated by Avalon Solar and is currently operational. The plant uses solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, a mature and widely deployed renewable energy source. In the United States, solar PV projects benefit from federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), as well as state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that drive demand for clean energy. Arizona, where the plant is located, has a strong solar resource and a renewable energy target of 15% by 2025 under its RPS. Avalon Solar contributes to the local grid by supplying clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting Arizona's renewable energy goals. The facility's output helps offset carbon emissions and aligns with broader U.S. efforts to decarbonize the power sector. As a solar PV plant, it has minimal operational emissions and low water usage compared to conventional power plants.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Sonoran Desert region of Arizona, an area with high solar irradiance ideal for solar energy generation. Solar PV installations like Avalon Solar have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no air emissions or water consumption for cooling. However, land use for solar farms can impact local desert ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The plant's location in an arid region minimizes competition with agriculture, but careful siting is needed to avoid sensitive areas.
Frequently asked questions
Avalon Solar is located in the United States, near Tucson, Arizona, at coordinates 32.0014° N, -110.9606° W.
Avalon Solar has an installed capacity of 29 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar PV facility.
Avalon Solar is owned by Avalon Solar. The plant is currently operational.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar PV projects, reducing upfront costs and encouraging development. It also includes provisions for domestic manufacturing and community solar.
Arizona's RPS requires utilities to generate 15% of their retail electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Solar PV plants like Avalon Solar help meet this target.