Overview
Davis Monthan AFB (AZ) West Airfield is a 12.6 MW solar PV facility located in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Operational and owned by SunE DM LLC, it contributes to the base's renewable energy portfolio.
Davis Monthan AFB (AZ) West Airfield is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, United States. With a capacity of 12.6 MW, it is a medium-scale solar installation that supports the base's energy needs and sustainability goals. The facility is owned by SunE DM LLC and is currently operational. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Arizona's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates that 15% of retail electricity sales come from renewable sources by 2025. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and this installation uses ground-mounted panels typical of utility-scale solar projects in the region. As part of a military installation, the facility enhances energy security and resilience by providing on-site renewable generation. It reduces reliance on grid electricity and supports the Department of Defense's renewable energy targets. The project also contributes to local air quality improvements by displacing fossil fuel-based generation.
Environmental context
Located in the Sonoran Desert, the facility benefits from high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar PV generation. The arid climate minimizes cloud cover and maximizes energy output. However, large-scale solar installations can impact local desert ecosystems and wildlife, including sensitive species like the desert tortoise. Proper siting and mitigation measures are essential to minimize land-use conflicts.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, United States.
The facility has a capacity of 12.6 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation.
The facility is owned by SunE DM LLC.
The facility operates under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Arizona's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires 15% renewable electricity by 2025.
It provides clean energy to the air base, enhances energy security, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Arizona's renewable energy goals.