Solar toys
by OffSite (12/1/09)
On Oct. 25, 2009, Barack Obama presided over the beginning of operation of the largest solar-energy facility yet built in the United States. “Largest Solar-Panel Plant in U.S. Rises in Florida” by Christine Armario, Associated Press, Oct. 23, 2009, brings word that this plant cost $150 million to build and is sited on 180 acres of Florida land. It is touted as a “25-megawatt” facility.
“Florida’s New 90,000-Solar-Panel Power Station” by Energy Matters, Renewable Energy News, Oct. 12, 2009, reports that the builder, Florida Power and Light Company, estimates that it will produce 42,000 megawatt hours per year of electricity.
(42,000) / (24) (365) = 4.8 megawatts. (4.8) / (25) = 0.19 – so the plant actually produces, on average, 19 percent of the energy produced at its peak output under perfect conditions – the “25-megawatt” figure. This fivefold difference is typical of reports on solar installations. Full Piece
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