The roof and grounds of the Visitor Center near the Grand Canyon's South Rim will soon host some 84 solar panels that will help power the building frequented by an estimated 4.5 million sightseers a year.

The solar energy system is expected to supply about 18 kilowatts of electricity, enough to offset 30 percent of the power used at the center, according to the utility APS.
With 4.5 million visitors a year, the Grand Canyon is a prime spot for solar power education, says APS.
Courtesy of APS

The energy company said funding of the panels and their installation was made possible by APS customers through the firm's Green Rates and the Arizona Corporation Commission's Renewable Energy Standard.

The utility, the largest in the state, said it selected the Grand Canyon as the recipient of the donated system because of the opportunity to educate the canyon's many visitors about solar power.
Solar panels will be mounted on the roof and grounds of the Visitor Center.
Courtesy of APS

The installation, in effect, will serve as a working demonstration of a solar energy system. APS will have informational signs placed at various locations at the site and create an indoor exhibit, which is to include a monitor with a real-time display of the amount of energy generated by the system.

The solar installation is expected to be up and running in March.