Solar Developer Sees Perfect Match for Hidden Valley Project

A solar farm proposal spanning nearly 1,100 acres in Hidden Valley is on track to begin operations by mid- to late 2029, according to a recent announcement. Jordan A. Rose, an attorney representing Copia Power, stated that the facility near Hidden Valley and Val Vista Roads aligns with the needs of the area.

“The project has a very low impact on its surroundings, with virtually no traffic or water use,” Rose explained in an interview. The facility aims to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 95,000 homes.

While specific investment figures remain undisclosed, it is generally understood that a typical 200-megawatt solar facility requires around $500 million in construction costs. Currently, the project is navigating its initial development stages with Pinal County planners.

In parallel, another solar farm initiative from Phoenix developer Sawtooth Development Co. is also in its early planning phase. This project seeks to amend land use from low-density residential to green energy production. Pinal County planners consider such amendments once yearly, creating a limited window for proposals.

The first public hearing for this amendment will be held at 6 p.m. on September 5, before the Pinal County Citizens Advisory Committee at the Ironwood Room, located at the Pinal County Courthouse in Florence. Following this, additional hearings will occur with the county Planning and Zoning Commission and county supervisors.

If and when construction begins, around 450 jobs could be created to facilitate the build. Upon becoming operational, the facility is expected to employ approximately five full-time staff members.

Copia Power, established in 2021 and backed by Carlyle, a major global investment firm, is staffed by professionals with extensive backgrounds in renewable energy development. The company comprises individuals with successful track records from businesses such as sPower, AES, and Recurrent.

The proposed solar farm could generate up to 250 megawatts of power through photovoltaic technology and battery energy storage systems. Rose highlighted that the timeline for such projects can range from three to five years, contingent on various factors, including site specifics and size.

Before construction can start, numerous steps must be completed, including environmental analysis, securing land rights, obtaining permits at multiple governmental levels, and establishing power purchase agreements. Once underway, the construction of a project of this magnitude generally takes between 18 to 24 months.

The chosen site benefits from proximity to existing electrical infrastructure while avoiding sensitive environmental areas like floodways and wetlands. This strategic selection has garnered interest from local residents who prefer low-traffic and low-water usage for the land.

Many residents in Hidden Valley have voiced their opposition to high-density housing developments. Currently, Copia is also working on two projects to the west of Phoenix, which are expected to be operational early next year.