Largest Commercial Solar Array in Chandler Nears Completion

December 15, 2010

Harmon Solar, a division of Harmon Electric, Inc is nearing completion on the largest commercial solar project in Chandler, Ariz.  The system is being installed on the roof of Av-Air, Inc., a worldwide aftermarket distributor of commercial aircraft parts for Boeing and Airbus aircraft types. Harmon Solar is finalizing construction, and the system is anticipated to receive approval from SRP by the end of the year. 

Bob Ellis, president of Reason’s Aviation, the parent company of Av-Air stated, “I feel that utilizing renewable energy is the key to protecting the environment and reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources.”  

Av-Air enlisted Harmon Solar to install a 151,800 watt photovoltaic system. It is comprised of more than 550 solar panels, which equates to more than 20 average-sized residential solar systems. In order for Av-Air’s roof to support the weight of the solar panels, the ceiling beams had to be extended and a custom-designed steel super structure was mounted on top of the pillars. Designed by Harmon Solar, the steel frame was fabricated and installed by Arizona-based R-n-R Steel. 

“Harmon Solar has been great to work with on this project from the very beginning.  They were instrumental in identifying the most beneficial incentives for Av-Air, and they were able to custom-design a solar system to meet our building’s structural demands,” stated Ellis.  

The solar system will offset 100% of Av-Air’s current annual electricity use with renewable solar energy.  As one of the first projects to have been approved by SRP under the Production Based Incentive (PBI) program, Av-Air was able to take advantage of significant cost savings.  PBIs are designed to pay the customer for the actual production of its renewable system over time instead of an initial, up-front incentive payment. The customer is then obligated to provide SRP with all Renewable Energy Credits (REC) produced for 20 years. Additionally, the project is made possible by a Federal Tax Grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Under section 1603, commercial businesses can apply for a 30% Federal Tax Grant to be applied to the gross cost of the system. Av-Air is also entitled to a tax credit from the State of Arizona equivalent to 10% of the gross system cost, up to $25,000.

About Harmon Solar:

Phoenix-based Harmon Solar is a division of Harmon Electric, Inc., an electrical contracting firm that has been serving Arizona since 1975. Harmon Solar specializes in the design and installation of commercial and residential photovoltaic systems. As a family owned and operated business, Harmon Solar takes great pride in helping Arizona residents become energy independent, while also providing a service that betters the environment. Harmon Solar is ranked as one of the top three installers by SRP, and Harmon Solar is one of only 32 residential solar installers to achieve the designation of Qualified Solar Installer (QSI) by APS. For more information, contact Harmon Solar at 623-879-0010 or visit www.harmonsolar.com.