Colliers Issues Solar Report

PHOENIX, AZ - Colliers International-Greater Phoenix has published a comprehensive examination of the solar energy industry in Arizona titled, "Solar Energy Network—Partners for Change." The 40-page report is a unique collaboration between Colliers and more than 25 public and private sector experts and visionaries who are playing a critical role in creating a renewable energy future in Arizona. Matt Fitz-Gerald, team leader for Colliers Solar Energy Network, worked in partnership with these authoritative professionals to illustrate the scope of current and future efforts to expand solar energy in Arizona.

According to Fitz-Gerald, "Arizona will become the major solar energy hub of the Southwest United States. Arizona has the business infrastructure, trained and available workforce, economic climate, and tax and investment incentives to attract solar energy companies and provide them with a competitive edge." He states that the Solar Energy Network report clearly illustrates the harmonious and advantageous cooperation between the public, government, university, non-profit, and private industry sectors to support renewable energy initiatives and programs.

The overriding theme of the report is that Arizona is poised to become the leader in solar energy. ASU President Michael M. Crow states, "Our success will require a hybrid public-private partnership model and a policy-driven market approach. Comprehensive regional planning must dovetail with sound fiscal policies and strategic investment in infrastructure, all focused on one common objective—positioning Arizona as the epicenter of the solar industry."

Governor Jan Brewer outlines the state's initiatives, "The AZ Department of Commerce Energy Office will utilize a portion of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act energy funding to launch a public buildings solar initiative and a grant program to demonstrate commercially viable renewable energy and energy efficient products manufactured in Arizona. By continuing to foster a solar industry that will someday become an economic force of great significance, Arizona will diversify its economy, grow green jobs, and better the environment for the citizens of this great State."

Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), points out a number of reasons why Arizona should be a premier solar location:

• Arizona has one of the most aggressive renewable energy standards in the U.S., requiring Arizona's electric utilities to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025.

• Proximity to California—the world's fourth largest solar market—and Mexico enables broad distribution capabilities to transport manufactured solar goods and allow for the import and export of renewable energy through transmission.

• ASU is home to the world's first school of sustainability, as well as renowned solar power and photovoltaic testing laboratories. TÜV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory, in collaboration with Arizona State University, established the premier performance testing and safety certification organization globally for photovoltaic technology.

• The Governor signed SB1403, the Renewable Industries Bill in July 2009, to encourage investment in Arizona by renewable energy companies. SB1403 will provide qualified companies with a refundable income tax credit and a reduction in property taxes.

Report contributors from the public and governmental sectors include Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Barry Broome of GPEC, Kristin Mays of Arizona Corporation Commission, President Michael M. Crow –Arizona State University, President John D. Haeiger – Northern Arizona University, President Robert N. Shelton – The University of Arizona, and the Arizona Institute of Renewable Energy at ASU.

Leading experts from public utilities and non-profit renewable energy associations also participated, including Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, Tucson Electric Power, Solar Technology Institute-Science Foundation of AZ, Arizona Economic Resource Organization, and Arizona Solar Energy Association. Leading renewable energy companies also contributed: TÜV Rheinland PTL, REC Solar, CarbonFree Technology Corp., BrightSource Energy, SolFocus, SolarCity, Global Solar Energy, Solon Corp., and Wilson Electric.

View Report: www.colliers-international.com/Phoenix/Colliers-Solar-Energy-Network-Report.pdf