The future of Arizona's solar industry is shining brighter with the extension of federal solar-energy tax credits, which was part of the financial bailout bill approved Oct. 3. Not only are tax credits extended for eight years, but the amount of the incentive has been greatly increased.

A rare solar air-conditioning system was unveiled Wednesday at the Arizona National Guard Papago Park Military Reservation in Phoenix, which developers hope will lead to wider use of a technology that could drastically reduce demand for energy from the Valley’s electricity grid.

Arizona could become the nation’s leading generator of solar power but isn’t taking the steps needed to do so, leaving neighboring states to reap the benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy, solar proponents told state lawmakers Thursday.

The largest solar electric generating plant in the United States could be built in Arizona under a plan announced Thursday by six Southwest energy suppliers.

Washington -- Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policies discourage the development of solar projects, an executive for Tempe-based First Solar told congressional lawmakers this week.

SRP guest commentary

Reading their Scottsdale home’s electric meter has never been so much fun for Jason and Doreen Song. For the first time in 24 years, the Songs’ meter is clocking in reverse.

Just as a plant will reach toward the sun for nourishment, so are Chandler officials reaching out to the solar power industry, with its rapid projected growth and high-paying jobs.

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal officials on Friday approved a plan that sets aside 445 square miles of public land for the development of large-scale solar power plants, cementing a new government approach to renewable energy development in the West after years of delays and false starts.

On land once farmed for alfalfa in the middle of fields and new homes, thousands of solar panels sit quietly generating electricity for Salt River Project.

Arizona utilities continue to roll out projects to use renewable resources such as solar, wind and biomass, but the state lags far behind the nation as a whole in the use of renewable energy sources to produce electricity.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Arizona is an ideal place to utilize solar electricity. But the decision to invest in a solar installation on your home can be complicated.

Tempe’s YMCA branch is one of four in the Valley set to get solar panels next year in an effort to reduce energy costs. The panels are projected to reduce electric use by 21 percent at the Tempe location. The panels are manufactured by German-based Centrosolar America, which has a U.S. office in Scottsdale.

A more than $1 billion solar-powered energy plant planned near Gila Bend is expected to create 1,500 construction jobs and supply power to more than 70,000 households in Arizona.

A more than $1 billion solar-powered energy plant planned near Gila Bend is expected to create 1,500 construction jobs and supply power to more than 70,000 households in Arizona.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Much like the moon shot 50 years ago, the government is turning to the heavens to inspire a generation of scientists and innovators to help America reach its next big challenge.

Gov. Jan Brewer on Monday announced plans for a Chinese-owned solar panel maker to build its U.S. headquarters and a manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area, propelling one of the nation's sunniest states toward a more global presence in the renewable energy industry.

An ambitious Valley developer is putting his money where his ideals are with plans for an innovative townhome project he hopes will run almost entirely on solar energy. Industry leaders are hoping the development — likely the first of its kind in Arizona — will spur more builders to jump into the solar game.

Federal tax incentives that went into effect on Jan. 1 have created a miniboom in solar equipment installations, offering hope that solar energy will finally gain traction in sunshine-rich Arizona.

Federal tax incentives that went into effect on Jan. 1 have created a miniboom in solar equipment installations, offering hope that solar energy will finally gain traction in sunshine-rich Arizona.

Federal tax incentives that went into effect on Jan. 1 have created a miniboom in solar equipment installations, offering hope that solar energy will finally gain traction in sunshine-rich Arizona.

The future of the world's largest solar power plant planned for the Arizona desert could depend on whether the two presidential candidates manage to get back to Washington.

Suman Subramanian, a 41-year-old training engineer at Intel Corp., thinks the United States is far too dependent on fossil fuels and foreign sources of energy.

First Solar, the Tempe-based company that has been powering its way upward in the solar-energy industry, is getting into the utility business.