TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Two top federal officials toured Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Wednesday to learn more about the base's solar energy program.
"This base has been pioneering in its efforts to deploy solar power to provide the energy for the base. And on an average day about 35% of the base is powered by the solar rays that are deployed around the base," said Deputy Secretary of Energy Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall.
The solar panels have provided more than 50% of the base's energy at its peak.
Dr. Sherwood-Randall said the program serves as an example for other bases across the country, as the Air Force uses the most energy in the federal government.
"This is an example for our entire military, and indeed for our nation, of the important way in which we are transitioning to clean energy resources that make us less dependent on foreign energy supply and enable us to meet our climate goals so that we can keep our planet safe," said Dr. Sherwood Randall.
The tour is a joint effort between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense.
Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James said using alternative energy sources is about more than just saving money, but it impacts the military's missions as well.
"We have a saying, by the way: 'We want mission assurance through energy assurance,'" said Secretary James. "Energy is very important to me because the Air Force is the largest energy consumer in the federal government."
Davis-Monthan's solar power program has saved the base an average of $500,000 a year on electricity costs since it began in Jan. 2014.
