Eleven Mile Solar Center represents a new benchmark for large-scale, environmentally conscious solar development. Situated on previously disturbed agricultural land, this massive facility demonstrates how the state can meet its soaring energy demands while addressing critical water scarcity issues. As one of Arizona’s largest solar installations, the project provides a template for sustainable growth, balancing clean energy generation with responsible resource management in an increasingly arid climate.
Significance & Context
The Eleven Mile Solar Center is a pivotal component of Arizona’s energy transition, delivering substantial capacity to the grid managed by Arizona Public Service (APS). Its strategic location near major load centers minimizes transmission losses while its development on retired farmland exemplifies a proactive approach to water conservation—a priority identified by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. The project directly supports the state’s renewable energy standards and provides corporate customers with a reliable, carbon-free power source, a key factor in economic development efforts tracked by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Development Timeline
Development for the Eleven Mile Solar Center accelerated in the early 2020s, as water scarcity concerns intensified and solar economics improved. Key milestones included securing land from multiple agricultural landowners, navigating county and state permitting processes, and finalizing power purchase agreements with both utility and commercial customers. Construction commenced in 2023, and the facility achieved commercial operation in 2025, aligning with utility resource planning cycles.
Technology & Innovation
The facility utilizes bifacial solar panels on single-axis tracking systems, capturing direct and reflected light in the high-albedo desert environment. A defining innovation is its water-free robotic cleaning system, which eliminates water consumption for operations in a region where conservation is critical. The project also incorporates advanced grid-forming inverters that provide essential reliability services, enhancing stability for the local transmission network managed by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Challenges & Controversies
A significant challenge involved managing dust control on the disturbed agricultural land while avoiding water-intensive solutions. Community members and regulators expressed concerns about particulate matter during construction and operations. The developers resolved this through an integrated approach using soil stabilizers and rapid establishment of native, drought-tolerant ground cover—a solution developed in consultation with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality that met air quality standards without water use.
Community & Economic Impact
For Pinal County, the project delivers substantial economic benefits. During peak construction, Eleven Mile Solar Center typically employed over 400 workers, providing a major boost to local businesses. The permanent operations team creates 20-25 long-term skilled positions. The project likely contributes millions in annual property tax revenue, supporting local services—a fiscal impact analyzed by the Arizona Association of Counties. Landowners transition from water-intensive farming to stable solar lease income, preserving their financial viability.
Future Outlook
The Eleven Mile Solar Center establishes a replicable model for converting water-stressed agricultural land to productive clean energy generation across the Southwest. Its water-free operation sets a new standard for sustainable development in arid regions. The site’s infrastructure is designed for future battery storage integration, potentially creating one of Arizona’s largest solar-plus-storage facilities. As climate pressures intensify, this project demonstrates how energy security and water conservation can be strategically aligned for long-term resilience.
Also at Arizona: West Line Solar
