Commission approves small Parker Ranch solar and data center project over environmental objections, 5‑3

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5‑3 Oct. 8 to approve SU25‑27, a special‑use authorization for a proposed solar energy facility and small data center on roughly 40 acres of RU‑4‑zoned land near Parker Ranch Road east of Wilcox.

Applicants Luis and Maria Musa described the project as a solar array sized to produce an estimated 15.5 megawatts and an on‑site data center intended to be powered primarily by the facility’s solar output. The applicants said the data center equipment would be hosted for customers and that excess generation would be exported to the local grid; staff reported the applicants provided a feasibility study and had begun coordination with the local electric cooperative regarding interconnection.

Staff recommended approval with conditions common to renewable energy projects: required county right‑of‑way, floodplain and grading permits; a traffic improvement or maintenance plan; submission of an emergency response plan for county and fire review; use of PV panels with anti‑reflective coatings; minimum clear spacing of 12 feet between tracker rows; and a 4–6 inch gap under perimeter fencing to allow small animals. Staff also recommended best management practices for dust control during construction, a decommissioning plan and other standard conditions.

Public comment included concerns about water use for data center cooling, battery storage and associated fire/toxicity risks, wildlife and avian impacts, and the visual character of a large solar installation. A resident asked whether the project would increase local electricity costs; the applicant said the project was expected to supply the data center’s needs from the paired solar array and that some generation could be exported to the grid, which the applicant argued could benefit local supply. The applicant said the data center would use closed‑loop coolant systems rather than large water withdrawals and that professional installers and consultants would meet code requirements for batteries and fire protection.

Commissioners were divided. Supporters said the project is relatively small, could provide local renewable capacity and would be conditioned by permits and plans to address construction impacts, safety and wildlife concerns. Opponents cited uncertainty in the application, unanswered details about battery storage, hydrology, wildlife impacts and long‑term decommissioning; the chair said solar panels are a “blight” and expressed environmental concerns. The motion to approve passed 5‑3; commissioners voting yes stressed that additional environmental, safety and interconnection conditions and permits must be satisfied before construction proceeds.

Ending: Approval is conditioned on the standard renewable energy and site‑specific permits and plans; the applicants will need to complete required permitting, emergency planning, interconnection coordination and any environmental studies before permits are issued.