Town of Gilbert, Neely Wastewater Reclamation Facility

Project Overview

Location	Neely Wastewater Reclamation Facility – Gilbert, AZ
Size	2.3 megawatt (MW) DC
Type	Ground mount system, using the SPG Solar Sunseeker® Tracker
Completion	September 2011
Generation	Equivalent to approx. 40% of the electricity used at the Reclamation Facility
Equivalent to	The annual electricity used by 438 average American homes

The Opportunity

Convert five existing recharge basins, where groundwater percolation and aquifer replenishment occurs, into solar power plants to provide financial savings and showcase Gilbert, Arizona’s sustainability efforts.

The Solution

A 2.3 megawatt ground mount solution, producing clean, renewable electricity. With no upfront capital costs to the municipality, the system will provide a savings of up to $2 million over the next 20 years. SPG Solar made this an affordable solution to the town by arranging a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and utilizing incentives from Arizona Public Services. This solar installation allows for the town to plan for the future, lock in predictable electricity rates, reduce costs, and drive sustainability in the region.

Noteworthy Achievement

The installation is one of first solar power systems installed in an operating recharge basin in the U.S. SPG Solar designed and engineered an elevated tracking system, built with a height clearance of 6.5 feet, to allow room for the basin to flood with water.

Solar Power Generation

The solar power system produces over 4.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, providing energy during peak hours of the day, when electricity loads and prices are at the highest. The system will meet approximately 40 percent of the facilities electric load.
The solar system requires minimal maintenance, runs silently, and has an expected operating life of 25 years or more.