Solar Zone
"There’s No Place like it under the Sun"
As the world moves to adapt renewable energy technology, Southern Arizona is positioned to become a world leader in solar energy.
The average solar radiation in the southwest is the highest of any region in the country. In addition, the region has abundant vacant land available for solar energy generation. Because of these factors, Arizona is a national leader in solar energy production.
Arizona requires that, by 2025, 15% of power distributed by power companies must come from renewable sources. Already over 600 MW of power in Arizona comes from solar energy.
This requirement will benefit the environment and the health of Arizona citizens by facilitating a shift from fossil fuel towards clean, renewable energy. It will also boost the economy by creating new jobs, attracting new industries, and selling excess electrical power.
Becoming a world leader in solar energy requires significant research and technology development activities. The University of Arizona has nearly $600 million in research funding. More than $20 million comes from agencies focused on advancing solar energy. These include the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation 
Currently, a core group of about 20 companies in Arizona work in the area of solar energy.
University-industry partnerships are a key element in making advances in this field. To facilitate these partnerships, the University of Arizona established the UA Tech Park. More than 40 companies are located on this 1,345-acre site in Tucson. The Solar Zone—which comprises 173 acres within the Tech Park—exemplifies a technology partnership in the field of renewable energy.
The Solar Zone is home to 10 companies demonstrating different solar energy generation technologies. All have power purchase agreements with Tucson Electric Power.
The Solar Zone is the largest utility-scale, multi-technology solar evaluation in the country. It provides the companies with the opportunity to partner with one of the top research universities in the country.
Through our Global Advantage program, Solar Zone companies gain access to business partners worldwide. The program has close connections with Israel, Mexico, Germany, and Canada. It helps companies gain a competitive advantage by facilitating market access, product development, manufacturing assistance, and business development.
The Solar Zone provides a mechanism for the University of Arizona to fulfill its responsibility as a land-grant institution to transfer new knowledge into public use. It also helps the University meet its goal of being a leader in technology development for environmental sustainability.
In addition, it provides opportunities for university-industry collaborations. Faculty members can benefit through research opportunities and support for technology spin-off companies. Students can benefit from internships and job opportunities.
The UA Tech Park is currently in the process of expanding the Solar Zone. We invite interested companies to partner with us. Please contact us for more information.
