Update July 18, 2020
APS has posted a Final report on the McMicken Battery Energy Storage System Event Technical Analysis and Recommendations.
See the full article: https://azsolarcenter.org/update-utility-solar-battery-fire-in-arizona
TEP has upgraded their distribution system and as of December 7, 2021 the following no longer applies. Remaining posted for historical reasons.
TEP customers intending to install a new PV system now need to check that their system can be safely installed and connected to TEP’s grid.
TEP now has service areas that are saturated with PV systems where new PV systems are subject to additional review and requirements under Arizona’s Distributed Generation Interconnection Rules. TEP has prepared DG Saturation Maps showing these areas.
This further described at https://www.tep.com/get-started-with-solar/
This requirement stems from the recent Distributed Generation Interconnection Rules issued by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Further information is available at:Interconnection of Distributed Generation Facilities
Update: See the related article on tucson.com: New state rules limit rooftop solar systems in some Tucson neighborhoods
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) plans to provide more than 70 percent of its power from wind and solar resources as part of a cleaner energy portfolio that will reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2035.
TEP has filed its integrated resource plan (IRP) with the Arizona Corporation Commission, outlining plans for 2.5GW of new solar and wind over the next 15 years and 1.4GW of energy storage capacity as it progressively shutters its coal power stations.
See the TEP Press Release for more information: https://www.tep.com/news/tep-plans-clean-energy-expansion-carbon-reduction/
Adoption of electric vehicles is now rapidly increasing due to long-term cost savings, tax incentives, declining battery costs, and environmental awareness. Charging the batteries will be a challenge for utilities, but if the charges can be made grid-interactive (capable of sending battery energy back to the utility if needed to meet peak needs), This could develop into benefits for all.
See the Renewable Energy World article: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/2020/07/01/electrification-of-transportation-sector-nears-tipping-point/