The housing complex, called Encore on Farmer, represents the first phase of a plan to develop an eco-friendly mixed-use real estate development called Farmer Arts District on eight acres near downtown Tempe. The pedestrian and bike-friendly community is expected to incorporate energy-efficient building materials and solar power plants as standard features wherever possible, according to the projects Arizona-based real estate developer Urban Development Partners.
The solar system installed at Encore on Farmer will generate over 60,000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per year and is expected to provide up to 75 percent of the energy required to power the common areas, including elevators, street lights and parking lot lighting. During peak periods, the solar system is expected to generate excess electricity that will feed back to the Arizona Public Service utility.
At the request of Urban Development Partners, Phoenix Solar installed a web-enabled box in the building lobby to display data graphs on a nearby video monitor to showcase the real-time energy savings achieved by using solar power. People wont necessarily see solar modules on the roof but, by viewing the monitor, they will see with their own eyes that solar power is a viable and sustainable source of renewable energy, said Todd Marshall, Principal of Urban Development Partners. Seeing the real-time display will increase awareness and give building residents a sense of pride knowing that they are being energy efficient and contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
In commenting on why Urban Development Partners chose Phoenix Solar to design and build the solar power facility, Mr. Marshall said, After considering a number of different options, we selected Phoenix Solar based on the depth of their systems knowledge and their willingness to develop a custom solar plant whose footprint is scalable and cost-efficient.
Pete Beucke, Chief Operating Officer of Phoenix Solar Inc., said, We are excited to partner with Urban Development Partners and help spread the word about the benefits of solar power. Noting that Phoenix Solar has a team of solar industry professionals located in the Phoenix metro area, Mr. Beucke said, We are committed to Arizona and look forward to adding to our presence over time in the Grand Canyon State.
