Advocacy

Solar strengthens Yavapai County!

In a county where water is everything, solar isn’t just good energy policy—it’s good water policy. Investing in local, affordable clean energy is a win for Yavapai’s rivers, aquifers, and agriculture.

“Solar power supplies electric power for greenhouses, crop aggregation, and food processing facilities.”

– Yavapai County 2032 Comprehensive Plan (pg. 101)

But, a recently approved zoning ordinance singles out solar energy for unnecessary red tape. It’s government overreach and it will cost the region good jobs, community investment, and a stronger water future.

Demand for energy is growing and, done right, solar is the best solution for Yavapai County.

The Facts

Icon of coal and gas plants

Natural gas plants require 140 times more water than solar farms.

Gas pipelines are a risk to contaminate our rivers and groundwater.

Illustration of solar energy

Solar is the cheapest energy source and can be paired with farming and grazing.

Support local projects in Yavapai County!

County supervisors still have an opportunity to invest in a clean, water-smart economy. Tell them to take it!

Projects like Agua Fria Solar and Storage are ready to bring reliable, locally produced energy to our community while using minimal water and helping prevent blackouts during peak demand.

Sources

  • County Comprehensive Plan
    Approved in 2023 by the current board
    • Page 5, Section 2.1: This Land Use Element is not intended to restrict future growth but to manage it in a way that minimizes environmental impacts while offering residents a range of choices.
    • Page 101, Section 8.1: Solar power supplies electric power for greenhouses, crop aggregation, and food processing facilities.
  • Proposed Solar Facilities Ordinance
  1. Gas power uses 140x more water than solar power
    20 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from solar PV
    ‍    2,800 gallons - water needed per mWh of energy generated from gas
  2. Gas plants vs. Solar farms are 62% cheaper
    Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis
  3. The ACC has raised our bills every year for 10 years:
    US Energy Information Agency retail electricity price data
  4. Phoenix-Mesa ranked 5th worst ozone pollution in the U.S:
    American Lung Association State of the Air report 2024
  5. Lake Mead hasn't reached full capacity in over 40 years:
    NASA Earth Observatory
  6. Arizona's been in a drought since 1994:
    Arizona Dept of Water Resources
  7. Arizona sun could power the US economy three times over:
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  8. 42% of our electricity comes from gas. Arizona has no gas resources:
    US Energy Information Agency state profile
AboutAdvocacykey playersNewsvolunteerContactSign up
Copyright © 2026 Arizonans for a Clean Economy. All rights reserved.
Privacy PolicyTerms and Conditions