1. SYSTEM
VA Tech Hydro, Charlotte, NC
Bekaert (United Solar), Auburn Hills, MI
TWO UNIQUE SYSTEMS ON-SITE
Low Head Hydro Electric: 750 kW
Photovoltaic System: 2.5 kW
TURBINE TYPE
Grid Connected “Run of River”. Vertical propel-
ler with an adjustable blade turbine driving a
480 VAC induction generator
INVERTER
Uni-Solar PVL-128
Sunny Boy 2500, 2.5 kW
FUEL SUPPLY
Arizona Canal Water and Solar Energy
ENERGY PRODUCTION
Solar PV on Generation Building: 4,083 kilo-
watt-hours (kWh) per year
Hydro System varies with water demand in
canal
COMMISSIONED DATE
Spring 2003
Arizona Falls
Hydro-Electric Plant
P R O J E C T I N F O R M A T I O N .
Arizona Falls is a low-impact hydro-electric facility which incorporates part of a retired hydroelectric plant
originally built circa 1911. Power generation is “fueled” by Salt River Project (SRP) water transmission and
delivery activities i.e., the operating philosophy is “Run of River”. The design output is obtained at a flow rate
of 550 CFS at a 19-foot head. The vertical propeller, adjustable blade, turbine drives an induction generator.
The 480 VAC output is increased to distribution voltage by 1 MVA transformer connected to a “dedicated”
feeder from the Falls Substation. The power produced by the plant now supplies 150 homes in the area.
The site is adjacent to the City of Phoenix’s Herberger Park. SRP and the City entered a “joint-use” agreement
to develop this historically aesthetic Arizona Falls site. In conjunction with the City’s expansion of the Park,
aesthetic features such as waterfalls, shade canopies, landscaping, stairs and walking paths were constructed
around the “main” power plant to re-create the environment of the original falls.
Construction of the Arizona canal began in the late 1800’s. Construction crews had reached an area south of
Camelback Mountain at which a dilemma evolved as workers encountered a large rock formation that blocked
their path. The decision was made to leave the formation and allow the canal to flow over rather than removing
it. By doing so, it created a 20 foot waterfall that would eventually be known as Arizona Falls. For the resi-
dents of the parched land, the 1885 completion of the canal and its waterfall created an important part of the
community. Phoenicians enjoyed the wonders of Arizona Falls, gathering to picnic, socialize, and dance near
the cool water.
Unfortunately for the public, the activities ended in 1902 as a hydroelectric plant was built over the waterfall to
utilize the flowing water as a power source. By 1913, the plant was rebuilt and was in operation until 1950
when it was disbanded. By 2003 the hydroelectric plant was reopened and made available to the public as a
gathering place. Some history can be seen through the back wall of the water room as the original gears from
the first power plant of 1902 are still visible. As the years passed and more people moved to the Valley,
Arizona Falls was almost forgotten as the place to gather, until today.
W W W.SR PNE T.COM
P R O J E C T S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
B R I E F H I S T O R Y O F A R I Z O N A F A L L S
Arizona Falls, G.R. Herberger Park, 5650 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85031