NEW ENERGY SOARS WITH AIR FORCE

Size matters: Everybody's trying to be the biggest. No problem; you can't have too much solar energy.

Solar Array Under Construction at Nellis
April 25, 2007 (Las Vegas Review-Journal via Red Orbit)

WHO
U.S. Air Force, Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, Solar Star, SunPower Corp.,
click to enlarge
WHAT
A public/private venture to convert a landfill into the largest solar photovoltaic station in North America, a 140 acre, 70,000-panel Solar Star system.

WHEN
Groundbreaking was April 24. Completion is expected in early 2008.

WHERE
The western edge of Nellis Air Force Base, at the southern tip of Nevada.
SunPower Corp, San Jose, CA., will supply solar panels produced in the Phillipines and assembled in China.

WHY
At a cost of $100 million, the system will generate 15 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to supply 30% of Nellis’ power, saving $1 million/year. The installation will be replicated by the state if it is perceived as successful.
The sun in the Nevada desert
QUOTES
- Gibbons: "I think this is the beginning of a new frontier, the beginning of utilization of our natural resources which are abundant, unlimited and are homegrown here in Nevada…to help reduce our dependency on foreign fuel, on carbon-based fuels…[and] have a cleaner environment…"
- Gibbons responding to the windy conditions at Nellis: "…we'll get a little of this wind energy tied into that as well down the road. But right now, this is a great start…in our ability to supply energy for the state of Nevada."