Solar Electric Supply Expands Support for Ten West Link Transmission Project

Solar Electric Supply, Inc. (SES) and P&R Technologies have announced an expansion of their support for the Ten West Link 500kV Transmission Line Project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at improving power reliability and facilitating renewable energy integration in the southwestern United States. The project has recently ordered an additional 15 MAPPS solar obstruction utility LED lighting systems, bringing the total number of systems supplied by SES to 125.

The Ten West Link project, sponsored by DCR Transmission, is a significant undertaking that connects multiple large solar farms to a 500kV transmission line. The line stretches from the Delaney Substation in Arizona to the Colorado River bus in California, linking facilities owned by Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southern California Edison (SCE). This interconnection is crucial for enhancing the region's power grid and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.

SES's contribution to the project includes the supply of custom 400-watt solar systems featuring 324 amp-hour sealed gel batteries and 120 VAC sine wave inverters. These systems, which are manufactured in the USA and comply with Buy America and ARRA requirements, are equipped with remote wireless monitoring capabilities, ensuring reliable operation in this critical application. The company has also provided on-site training for installation contractors, facilitating efficient deployment of the systems.

The expansion of SES's involvement in the Ten West Link project underscores the growing importance of renewable energy infrastructure in the United States. As utilities seek to reduce costs and increase access to power markets, transmission projects like Ten West Link play a vital role. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with utilities projected to save millions of dollars annually due to improved access to power markets. Additionally, renewable energy developers have submitted nearly 5,000 MW of interconnection requests for the project, signaling strong interest in leveraging this new infrastructure.

The importance of the Ten West Link project was further highlighted by Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke at the groundbreaking event in Tonopah, Arizona, on January 23, 2023. Vice President Harris emphasized the project's role in delivering clean electricity from desert wind and solar farms to major cities and rural communities alike. She also noted the economic benefits of the project, including potential savings for American consumers on energy costs.

The success of the Ten West Link project and the ongoing collaboration between SES, P&R Technologies, and other partners demonstrate the increasing viability and necessity of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure. As the United States continues to pursue ambitious clean energy goals, projects like Ten West Link serve as critical components in the transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy future.

The expansion of solar obstruction lighting systems and ongoing field support provided by SES not only ensures the safety and efficiency of the transmission line but also showcases the company's commitment to supporting long-term renewable energy initiatives. As the project progresses, it is expected to create thousands of jobs in rural Arizona communities and provide a blueprint for future transmission projects aimed at integrating renewable energy sources into the national power grid.

The Ten West Link project represents a significant step forward in the development of America's clean energy infrastructure. By facilitating the transmission of renewable energy across state lines and connecting major population centers with rural energy-producing regions, the project is poised to play a crucial role in reshaping the energy landscape of the southwestern United States. As companies like Solar Electric Supply continue to provide innovative solutions and support for such projects, the path towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future becomes increasingly clear.