Utility-Scale Solar Energy Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

In May of 2011, the Planning and Development Department implemented the Utility-Scale Soar Energy Program. The program’s mission is to promote the development of utility-scale solar energy production within unincorporated areas of Maricopa County on lands that are suitable and appropriate, while ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all citizens of Maricopa County. The desert southwest is known for its hot, dry climate, which is uniquely suited for solar energy development. With much of that arid land lying within the unincorporated area of Maricopa County, it follows that Maricopa County would be attractive for solar energy development. In fact, from December 2007 through December 2012, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved thirty Comprehensive Plan Amendments totaling approximately 27,000 acres of land, together with twelve related Special Use Permits. By 2010, as some of these projects entered their construction phase, it became apparent that the sheer volume and complexity of utility-scale solar projects would overwhelm the system. Seeing the need to provide enhanced service to the solar industry, the BOS approved the funding mechanism which allowed the creation of the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Program. The program includes a dedicated team and a number of time-saving elements that streamline the entitlement and permitting processes relating to utility-scale solar development.