The solar segment of the energy industry is experiencing double-digit growth, shortages in supply of infrastructure-related materials because of skyrocketing demand, and the possibility of eventual emergence as a major source of abundant, clean, renewable power within the Southwestern United States.

According to a September 6th, 2005 article in the Arizona Republic, the Solar Energy Industries Association reported that shipments of photovoltaics (cells and panels for generating electricity from the sun’s power) grew 30 percent in 2003, and that the photovoltaic industry reached a record $4.7 billion in annual revenues. (View Article)

The state of Arizona is best positioned to capitalize upon the growth in solar energy generation and consumption because of the following reasons:

1. Arizona’s centralized location in the mid-west, close proximity to power-hungry California, and abundance of sunny days makes it an ideal location for the profitable generation of solar power.
2. ASU and the University of Arizona have traditionally been leaders in solar technology and will continue to drive leadership in the field.
3. Arizona boasts a long history as a center for solar energy technology development, forward-thinking organizations, and power generation. Tucson currently has the largest solar-powered generating array in the United States near Springerville, AZ, owned by Tucson Electric Power.

Source: State Slips But Forecast Bright, Arizona Republic, September 6th, 2005,

NZ Legacy’s land holdings report some of the highest average insulation (a measurement of potential energy generated from one square mile of sunlight per day) in the United States, at 6.1 to 6.5 kWh/m2/day (6.1 to 6.5 kilowatt hours per square mile per day).

The land holdings are also ideally suited for solar development because they consist of one large, flat track or land over 100,000 acres, that lies within close proximity (150 miles) to a major metropolitan area, receives very low rainfall, is not restricted by government or tribal ownership, and has open zoning laws. NZ Legacy also has an excellent relationship with local, county and state officials, who see solar energy as a means to the end of rural town renewal that includes higher-wage job creation, an increase in population, and a boost in local tax revenues.