The Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Sonak Solar Project last week, green-lighting a major solar installation to be built west of Sunland Gin Road between Arizona City and Silverbell Estates. The November 20th approval marks a significant shift in land use for the approximately 1,887-acre site currently used for agriculture.
The project, developed by Sonak Solar Project LLC, an affiliate of Enel North America, will generate 323 megawatts of solar power and include a 162-megawatt battery energy storage system. The facility will feature photovoltaic modules mounted on single-axis tracking systems, electrical collection systems, a site substation, and an operations and maintenance building. The project will connect to the regional power grid via a new high-voltage generation intertie (gen-tie) transmission line. The project site is located approximately 2.7 miles from APS transmission lines and 6.3 miles from TEP transmission lines, with final interconnection agreements still being negotiated.
The approval represents a significant change from previous plans for the property. The site was originally zoned for a master-planned community that would have included 6,760 homes. Jordan Rose of Rose Law Group, representing the developer, noted this represents a “down zoning” of the property, following a 2021 Board of Supervisors decision that changed the comprehensive plan designation to “Green Energy Production.”
Several Silverbell Estates residents spoke in favor of the project at the supervisors’ meeting, citing reduced water usage, minimal traffic impact, and preservation of dark skies compared to residential development. The project manager noted that the site currently uses approximately 4,000 acre-feet of water annually for farming, which will be significantly reduced under solar usage. While two letters of opposition were received citing concerns about loss of agricultural land, property values, and potential flooding issues, both opponents later rescinded their opposition after discussions with the developer about their concerns.
The project will be annexed into the Arizona City Fire District, providing additional tax revenue to support local emergency services. The project is expected to generate approximately $95.4 million in property taxes over its 30-year lifetime, benefiting local schools, road and bridge maintenance, and emergency management departments.
The development will employ an average of 200 workers monthly during construction, with peaks potentially reaching 400 workers. Once operational, the facility will provide up to 14 full-time positions for ongoing operations and maintenance over its 30-year lifespan.
The project includes a comprehensive decommissioning plan for the end of its expected 30-35 year lifespan. The plan requires removal of all solar panels, battery facilities, and associated infrastructure both above ground and up to 36 inches below ground. Sonak Solar Project will provide financial security to guarantee decommissioning costs through instruments such as bonds or letters of credit, with cost estimates updated every ten years.
The project will now move forward with securing necessary permits and beginning construction, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025.
