Ten West Link Transmission Project Expands with Additional Solar Lighting Systems

The Ten West Link 500kV Transmission Line Project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at improving power reliability and facilitating renewable energy integration, is seeing continued growth and support from key industry players. Solar Electric Supply, Inc. (SES) and P&R Technologies have announced an expansion of their involvement in the project, with an additional order of 15 MAPPS solar obstruction utility LED lighting systems, bringing the total to 125 systems deployed.

This expansion builds upon the initial delivery of 110 systems in early 2023, highlighting the project's ongoing development and the increasing demand for renewable energy infrastructure. The Ten West Link project, sponsored by DCR Transmission, serves as a vital connector between multiple large solar farms and the existing power grid, linking the Delaney Substation in Arizona to the Colorado River 500 kV bus in California.

The significance of this project extends beyond its immediate scope, as it represents a crucial step in the transition towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. By enhancing the transmission capacity between Arizona and California, the Ten West Link project is poised to play a pivotal role in the integration of renewable energy sources into the regional power grid.

Parker Osgood, a representative from P&R Technologies, emphasized the importance of SES's contribution, stating, "Working with Solar Electric Supply has been instrumental in keeping this project on track. Their team's expertise in delivering and supporting these systems has ensured a smooth installation process for the crew, and their ongoing support has been invaluable."

The MAPPS Model MAPPS-400-324-24-120 systems supplied by SES are custom 400-watt solar systems featuring a 324 amp-hour sealed gel battery and a 120 VAC sine wave inverter. These USA-made systems comply with Buy America and ARRA requirements, showcasing a commitment to domestic manufacturing while meeting the project's high standards for reliability and performance.

The economic impact of the Ten West Link project is substantial. It is expected to keep ratepayer costs low by providing utilities with increased access to power markets, potentially saving millions of dollars annually. Furthermore, the project has already attracted nearly 5,000 MW of interconnection requests from renewable energy developers, signaling a boom in clean energy investment and job creation in rural Arizona communities.

The project's significance was further underscored by Vice President Kamala Harris, who spoke at the groundbreaking event in Tonopah, Arizona, on January 23, 2023. Vice President Harris highlighted the project's role in combating the climate crisis and creating economic opportunities. She emphasized that the clean electricity delivered by the Ten West Link would translate to tangible benefits for American families, including reduced energy costs and increased financial flexibility for everyday expenses and long-term investments.

As the Ten West Link project continues to expand, the collaboration between SES, P&R Technologies, Irby, and DCR Transmission serves as a model for successful partnerships in the renewable energy sector. The ongoing field support and technician training provided by SES in 2024 demonstrate a long-term commitment to maintaining this critical infrastructure, ensuring its efficiency and reliability for years to come.

The expansion of the Ten West Link project and the increased deployment of solar obstruction lighting systems represent a significant step forward in the United States' transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy grid. As this and similar projects progress, they pave the way for increased renewable energy adoption, reduced carbon emissions, and a more sustainable future for communities across the Southwest and beyond.