Nellis Solar Power Plant
Overview
The Nellis Solar Power Plant is a photovoltaic power station located within the Nellis Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada. With a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), it was the largest solar photovoltaic system in North America at the time of its completion in December 2007. The plant is a prime example of the United States' commitment to renewable energy sources and serves as a model for military bases and other governmental entities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
History
The Nellis Solar Power Plant was commissioned by the United States Air Force in an effort to reduce energy costs and increase energy security. The plant was built by MMA Renewable Ventures and SunPower Corporation, two companies specializing in renewable energy solutions. The project was financed through a power purchase agreement (PPA), a financial arrangement in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the system, and a host customer agrees to site the system on its property and purchases the system's electric output for a predetermined period.
Design and Construction
The plant was designed to be a ground-mounted system, spanning approximately 140 acres of land. It consists of more than 70,000 solar panels, which are installed on SunPower's proprietary SunPower T20 Tracker system. This system allows the solar panels to follow the sun's movement throughout the day, increasing energy capture by up to 25% compared to fixed-tilt systems.
The construction of the Nellis Solar Power Plant was a complex process that required careful planning and coordination. The site had to be prepared for the installation of the solar panels, which involved grading the land, installing the mounting systems, and connecting the panels to the electrical grid. The construction process also included the installation of a monitoring system to track the performance of the solar panels and ensure they were operating at peak efficiency.
Operation and Performance
The Nellis Solar Power Plant is capable of generating more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 1,800 homes. The electricity produced by the plant is used to power the Nellis Air Force Base, reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources and saving millions of dollars in energy costs each year.
The performance of the Nellis Solar Power Plant is closely monitored to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency. The plant's output is subject to a variety of factors, including the amount of sunlight, the angle of the sun, and the temperature. To optimize performance, the solar panels are regularly cleaned and maintained, and any damaged or underperforming panels are replaced.
Impact and Significance
The Nellis Solar Power Plant has had a significant impact on the Nellis Air Force Base and the wider community. By generating clean, renewable energy, the plant has helped to reduce the base's carbon footprint and contribute to the United States' renewable energy goals. The plant has also served as a model for other military bases and governmental entities seeking to harness the power of solar energy.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Nellis Solar Power Plant has also had economic benefits. The plant has saved the Nellis Air Force Base millions of dollars in energy costs, and the construction and operation of the plant have created jobs and stimulated economic growth in the local community.