Overview
Gato Montes Solar LLC is a 5 MW solar PV facility located near Tucson, Arizona, United States. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Gato Montes Solar LLC is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located near Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. With a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), it is a small-scale solar installation that supports local clean energy generation. The facility is owned and operated by Gato Montes Solar LLC and is currently operational. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. In the United States, solar energy is supported by federal incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Arizona has a strong solar resource and a renewable energy target, making it a favorable environment for solar development. The facility contributes to the local grid by providing clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting Arizona's renewable energy goals. Its location in the sunny Southwest allows for high solar irradiance, maximizing energy production. The plant plays a role in diversifying the energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like Gato Montes Solar have minimal environmental impact during operation, producing no direct emissions. However, land use for solar arrays can affect local habitats and visual landscapes. In arid regions like Arizona, water use for panel cleaning is minimal. The facility's small scale reduces potential ecological disruption, and its location near Tucson avoids sensitive ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Gato Montes Solar LLC is located near Tucson, Arizona, in the United States, at coordinates 32.102800, -110.819700.
The facility has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic installation.
The facility is owned by Gato Montes Solar LLC. Ownership and operation are often handled by the same entity for such projects.
Solar energy in Arizona benefits from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires utilities to generate a portion of electricity from renewable sources.
The facility supplies clean electricity to the local grid, helping to meet Arizona's renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuel generation.