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APS Solar Partner^® - ST Microelectronics

When APS and ST Microelectronics (ST) joined to build a solar plant on the roof of the semiconductor manufacturer’s Northeast Phoenix facility, an important partnership between business, technology and the environment was formed.

In fact, the 20-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant is the first of its kind in Arizona - the first commercial solar power plant at a Phoenix industrial facility.

Another unique aspect of the partnership is that ST purchases all the energy generated by the solar installation directly from APS. The rest of their electricity needs are purchased in the traditional manner - off the electrical grid from APS.

The APS Solar Partner program plant was placed into commercial use in late July 2000.

"This is a milestone for APS and for ST Microelectronics," said Ed Fox, APS Vice President of Environment, Safety and Communications. "This installation marks the first industrial solar application in Arizona and mirrors the strong environmental philosophies of both companies."

Dick Pieranunzi, president and CEO of ST Microelectronics said, "ST has reached a leadership position on the road to environmental neutrality and this has been achieved at no cost to our bottom line. In this case, green is black."

ST Microelectronics is now the eighth largest semiconductor company in the world. The company was awarded the 1999 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the highest level of national recognition for quality that a US company can receive. ST also was presented the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Protection Award in 1999 for its outstanding accomplishments in protecting the Earth’s climate.

APS has long been recognized as a leader in solar technology research and development.