SAIC Helps Arizona Develop Solar Technology Solutions

Graced with abundant sunlight, the state of Arizona has an extremely promising solar future. Arizona Public Service (APS) knows that taking full advantage of solar resources is technically, economically, and politically challenging. SAIC helped APS develop an innovative, value-driven business case for distributed solar technology solutions that reinforces APS' commitment to shareholders and ratepayers.

Combining Technical Expertise with Business Acumen

Numerous studies have examined distributed solar energy technologies and the impact on electrical systems, but none had been performed in the past for APS-specific conditions. SAIC worked with APS on a Distributed Renewable Energy Operating Impacts and Valuation Study to determine the potential value of distributed solar technologies for its electrical system and to understand the likely operating impacts. APS requested a detailed investigation of the technical and financial considerations associated with deploying solar technologies for residential and commercial photovoltaic systems, residential solar hot water, and solar day lighting.

SAIC's study provided the opportunity to comprehensively examine the potential for distributed solar technologies across APS' territory and to evaluate the benefits, costs, and other implications on the utility's distribution, transmission, and resource planning and operation. By combining business acumen with technical expertise, SAIC provided a reliable methodology for identifying, evaluating, and achieving the potential benefits of distributed solar energy resources.

A key component of the study was a consensus-building, transparent stakeholder involvement process. SAIC focused on a seamless collaboration and joint efforts with APS staff to address deployment concerns in a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Seizing Solar Opportunities

SAIC helped APS develop a winning business case that allows the responsibilities of APS to its shareholders and ratepayers to be met while making meaningful progress towards achieving its solar technology integration objectives. The resulting financially and socially responsible business case provides solar resource valuation methodologies and identifies specific challenges and potential solutions for distributed renewable energy.

“SAIC offers support at every stage of solar integration from the developer, consumer, and utility perspective," said SAIC APS project leader Joni Batson. "Solar technology is rapidly evolving and utilities are learning more about its benefits and issues every day. SAIC's comprehensive solutions help energy utilities and consumers reach beyond efficiency.”

At SAIC, we take a holistic approach to our clients' operations and optimize solar energy effectiveness from an enterprise-wide perspective. This comprehensive and balanced approach is designed to deliver results that are advantageous to the entire business, improve financial performance, increase competitive advantage, and enhance market reputations.

“By working with developers and utilities all over the country through every stage of solar integration, SAIC is collectively gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience that we can share with our customers to help them plan and prepare for the future influx of solar resources,” said Batson.