A solar power array that will meet one-quarter of the energy needs of Fort Huachuca in Arizona is being installed by Tucson Electric Power.

Tucson Electric Power, or TEP, said the array will have a capacity of about 18 megawatts, will be owned and operated by TEP, and will be the largest solar array on any U.S. military base. Its operation will offset more than 58,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year while reducing other emissions associated with generating an equivalent amount of power with fossil fuels.

"We're very proud to provide Fort Huachuca with a cost-effective solar power resource that will contribute to the base's long-term energy security," said David Hutchens, president and chief operating officer of TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation.

"This new, productive partnership will benefit our customers while helping both the base and TEP make significant progress toward our respective renewable energy goals."

The solar system on the fort will be connected to an existing sub-station through a single interconnection on TEP's side and any excess energy generated will flow back into the grid for use by other TEP customers.

Construction of the array will be performed by E.ON Climate & Renewables, a partner of TEP on other successful solar projects.

TEP and the Army broke ground for the array today (Friday).