Ariz. 1st in country for renewable energy

Ariz. 1st in country for renewable energy
State also takes top ranking for solar manufacturing

By Rachael Myer, OpportunityGreaterPhoenix.com

Only a year after Arizona passed landmark renewable energy legislation, the state is now the “established solar energy king” and the country’s Alternative Energy Industry Leader, according to Business Facilities’ 2010 Rankings Report.
 
Arizona easily took the top ranking as the Alternative Energy Industry Leader and also earned the top spot as the Solar Energy Manufacturing Leader. The state also placed in the top five as a Solar Power Generation Leader.
 
The Rankings Report compares states and measures economic outlooks. In terms of economic rebounding, Arizona ranked sixth in the country for Economic Growth Potential.
 
Arizona offers the highest solar power potential in the nation, according to the magazine, which covers business news for executives who help companies expand and relocate.
 
“… Arizona’s robust solar panel industry is a global as well as national leader, befitting the sunniest state in the country,” the magazine states.
 
Arizona’s solar landscape changed dramatically as a result of the Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program. The program, which provides refundable income tax credits and reduced real estate and personal property taxes to renewable energy manufacturers and headquarters, has already drawn four companies to Greater Phoenix.
 
China-based Suntech, one of the world’s largest photovoltaic module manufacturers, is opening its North American manufacturing headquarters in Goodyear. Alpha Energy, a national leader in turnkey photovoltaic solar power systems, relocated its corporate headquarters to Phoenix.
 
Tower Automotive and Linamar Solar Systems also moved operations to Greater Phoenix as a result of the incentive program. The two companies are suppliers of Scottsdale-based Stirling Energy Systems, which manufactures the SunCatcher solar dish. Other solar companies are expected to announce expansion plans in Greater Phoenix in the coming months.
 
“Business Facilities’ rankings demonstrate how Arizona can increase its competitiveness with legislation that drives capital investments and jobs,” said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Arizona’s communities, business leaders and policymakers have been united in making the state a solar leader. Arizona helps renewable energy companies grow.”
 
SOURCE: www.opportunitygreaterphoenix.com