NRG Energy, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and First Solar celebrated the completion of the 25-megawatt (MW) Avra Valley Solar Generating Station near Tucson, Ariz. on Dec. 13. The project was developed and is owned by NRG Energy, and the electricity will be sold to Tucson Electric Power under a 20-year power purchase agreement, making it the single largest PV system in TEP’s renewable energy portfolio. First Solar designed and constructed the power plant using its trackers and 410,000 of its Series 3 thin-film PV modules, and it will provide Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services for the facility.

“Sustainability” – everyone hears about it – but do we really know what it is? It is a complex term that can be applied to almost every facet of life on earth – from ecological preservation movements to urban development practices and leading edge economic theory. The concept has also risen as a hot topic for global industry, and the renewable energy market in particular. How do large companies find the balance between environmental responsibility and strong economic performance, while at the same time being responsible employers and ethical partners?