This week in Spain (where a multitude of cool, green projects are underway), the switch was flipped on the largest installed photovolatic installation in the world. With a peak power output of 20 megawatts — and an average of more than 300 days of sunlight per year — it is expected that this massive array will provide enough power for roughly 20,000 homes. From the article,
The solar panels are owned by groups of investors. It’s expected to generate an estimated annual income of $28 million (€19 million) and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 42,000 tons a year. Powerlight provided single-axis solar trackers to improve the system´s performance.
You may wonder about the environmental impact of this huge development. A local Spanish association called Juncellus, was called on to ensure high environmental criteria in the construction of the plant. They included replanting around the plant, water deposits for fires, drinking troughs for birds and other such details.
Not counting this installation, renewable energy in Spain currently accounts for 7% of energy output. As one of the largest consumers of solar panels in the world, this is only expected to increase. We’re also keeping an eye on the massive solar tower being built there. Output is expected to provide enough power for 70,000 people.
via Treehugger
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Whoa that picture and place is amazing!
Csaba
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[...] World’s largest solar farm comes on, hoping to provide over 20,000 homes with it’s clean power. The plant is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 42,000 tons per year while generating an annual income of US $ 28 million. [...]