Paul 55,114 Posted May 9, 2014 Share Posted May 9, 2014 World’s Largest Solar Array Set to Crank Out 290 Megawatts of Sunshine Power Megaplants like Agua Caliente in Arizona herald a new efficiency in solar-sourced electricity May 9, 2014 | By Roni Jacobson Global climate change is here, and it’s only going to get worse, according to a White House report released on Tuesday. To combat rising sea levels and blistering summers, the Obama administration has been pushing for clean, renewable energy sources that cut down on carbon emissions. Now one of its projects is poised to pan out: Agua Caliente, the largest photovoltaic solar power facility in the world, was completed last week in Arizona. The plant comprises more than five million solar panels that span the equivalent of two Central Parks in the desert between Yuma and Phoenix. It generates 290 megawatts of power—enough electricity to fuel 230,000 homes in neighboring California at peak capacity. The Agua Caliente Solar Project represents a significant advance in the technology compared with just four years ago, when the largest solar facility in the U.S. generated only 20 megawatts. “Solar has completely arrived as a competitive energy resource,” says Peter Davidson, executive director of the Loan Programs Office at the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). Read more here Link to post Share on other sites
Knowdafish 1,772 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 (edited) I wonder how much each solar panel costs when you buy in bulk like that. Something is wrong with the math in the article though? 290 megawatts generated by 5,000,000 panels? 290 megawatts = 290,000,000 watts. If you divide that by 5 million panels each panel is only putting out 58 watts? I guess that the voltage each panel puts out is the missing clue? I guess the solar industry has given up on solar mirror array technology where mirrors focus the heat of the sun? Edited May 10, 2014 by Knowdafish Link to post Share on other sites
Admin (Retired) broden 57,115 Posted May 10, 2014 Admin (Retired) Share Posted May 10, 2014 the government should consider starting a program to cover every roof in the south and desert west with solar panels 1 Link to post Share on other sites
lamoe 14,538 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 (edited) I wonder how much each solar panel costs when you buy in bulk like that. Something is wrong with the math in the article though? 290 megawatts generated by 5,000,000 panels? 290 megawatts = 290,000,000 watts. If you divide that by 5 million panels each panel is only putting out 58 watts? I guess that the voltage each panel puts out is the missing clue? I guess the solar industry has given up on solar mirror array technology where mirrors focus the heat of the sun? Damn you for bring logic into this. That's at peak power Here's the hidden kicker But as solar power becomes cheaper, Davidson predicts (use to work at CBO?) that utilities will pass those savings on to consumers. And as the technological advancements emerging from megaplants like Agua Caliente become more widely available, individual solar power adopters may eventually see savings as well. Edited May 10, 2014 by lamoe Link to post Share on other sites
Paul 55,114 Posted May 10, 2014 Author Share Posted May 10, 2014 I guess the solar industry has given up on solar mirror array technology where mirrors focus the heat of the sun? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2558257/Huge-thermal-plant-opens-solar-industry-grows.html 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Knowdafish 1,772 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2558257/Huge-thermal-plant-opens-solar-industry-grows.html Thanks. I know a few have blown up or caught fire in the past. One was based on molten salt or the like which was used to transfer the heat to the boilers. I think solar panels may be more efficient for the $$? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
A_Simple_Man 6,202 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 (edited) the government should consider starting a program to cover every roof in the south and desert west with solar panels I like an idea I heard of before (could have been on this forum even). All those WalMarts with huge parking lots should have solar canopies over the car parking area. It will stop your car from heating up in the hot sun and power the store. Edited May 10, 2014 by A_Simple_Man 6 Link to post Share on other sites
contraman 29,039 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 the government should consider starting a program to cover every roof in the south and desert west with solar panels What is this obsession with putting these unsightly panels on roofs? Solar Farms have them on the ground and there is plenty of sun drenched barren ground around to put them on. Even the Aussies have done it http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/mildura-solar-park-opens/4828048 Link to post Share on other sites
spooks 1,729 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 One day all roofing for all constructions will have this as a basic requirement as part of the building code, sooner the better 2 Link to post Share on other sites
contraman 29,039 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 One day all roofing for all constructions will have this as a basic requirement as part of the building code, sooner the better No, I believe that is just wishful thinking. I for one, will not be holding my breath until it happens Link to post Share on other sites
spooks 1,729 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Yes it is wishful thinking as was doing away with the chamber pot in favour of underground sewers connecting all homes One day, not in our lifetimes, yet may be in our grand childrens lifetimes this may happen We have retirement havens. one day we will have dedicated bespoke eco havens for such purposes and people who choose to live there will be pioneers 1 Link to post Share on other sites
contraman 29,039 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 Yes it is wishful thinking as was doing away with the chamber pot in favour of underground sewers connecting all homes One day, not in our lifetimes, yet may be in our grand childrens lifetimes this may happen We have retirement havens. one day we will have dedicated bespoke eco havens for such purposes and people who choose to live there will be pioneers I still say it will not happenBut Dreams are free Starting to get OFF TOPIC Link to post Share on other sites
Alan S 4,607 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 "that utilities will pass those savings on to consumers" Yes, and pigs might fly. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Admin (Retired) broden 57,115 Posted May 10, 2014 Admin (Retired) Share Posted May 10, 2014 What is this obsession with putting these unsightly panels on roofs? Solar Farms have them on the ground and there is plenty of sun drenched barren ground around to put them on. Even the Aussies have done it http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-18/mildura-solar-park-opens/4828048 i'm just not a high fashion roof guy 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Knowdafish 1,772 Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 (edited) What is this obsession with putting these unsightly panels on roofs? Not all are "unsightly". http://www.dowpowerhouse.com/ Edited May 10, 2014 by Knowdafish 2 Link to post Share on other sites
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