Suns switching to ... solar power

PHOENIX -- The NBA's Phoenix Suns plan to use solar panels for part of its power at its home arena.

The new photovoltaic system will consist of more than 1,100 panels and be installed on the fifth level of the US Airways Center's parking garage in downtown Phoenix.

At 194 kilowatts, it will produce enough energy to reduce the team's power usage by the equivalent of 26 home games each season, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said Wednesday.

The system is expected to be operational next year and cost about $1.5 million.

The team estimates it will receive a yearly rebate of $60,000 to $85,000 from Arizona Public Service Co. via the utility's renewable-energy incentive program.

The project will not cost the Suns any up-front cash and will not lead to a ticket-price increase, Kerr said.

Instead, the Suns will negotiate an agreement with a third-party, California-based firm in which that company pays the costs associated with the project, including the purchase and installation of the panels.

Tioga Energy will also be responsible for the panels' maintenance over a 20-year period.

The Suns, in turn, will pay Tioga an annual fee based on the amount of energy the solar panels produce as well as assign the APS rebates to them, said Jason Rowley, the Suns senior vice president and general counsel.

A California-based company called EI Solutions will construct the system for the Suns.

The push for solar came from star guard Steve Nash, who is passionate about green issues and is installing solar panels at his home, according to team officials.