Solar power is one of the less tapped forms of natural energy. But steadily, we are heading towards tapping the solar energy in a big way. A 60MW photovoltaic solar plant in Spain has already been in operation since 2008, and the next big step is the Babcock Ranch plant that would be the largest solar project if it reaches its targeted 75MW output.
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Tapping the Sun in a Big Way
This planned city in Florida, Babcock Ranch, aims to be self-sufficient in solar energy. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as the power that is expected to be generated by the upcoming solar plants is humongous. Here are the details of the 5 biggest solar plants to come up in the next few years.
1. Location: Mojave Desert, U.S.
Megawatts: 500 MW, with plans to expand to 900 MW
Solar Company & Electric Utility: BrightSource Energy and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Status: Will start operating as early as 2011
More: This field of power towers is the largest planned concentrated solar project in the world. Meanwhile, through contracts with a number of other solar companies, PG&E will soon be operating over 2,000 MW of solar energy. California state law requires each investor-owned utility to supply at least 20 percent of their grid with renewable energy.
2. Location: Mojave Desert, U.S.
Megawatts: 500 MW, with possible expansion to 850 MW
Solar Company & Electric Utility: Stirling Energy Systems and San Diego Gas & Electric
Status: Will begin operations in 2011
More: 20,000 parabolic dishes will be spread over 4,500 acres of desert. The dishes are 40 feet tall each and capable of producing 2.5 kilowatts.
3. Location: Upington, South Africa
Megawatts: 100 MW pilot to be possibly expanded to 600 MW
Solar Company & Electric Utility: Eskom
Status: Eskom is currently considering whether to continue with the planned project
More: This project has been on the drawing board now for several years. If it gets the green light and is completed, it will drop South Africa from the 15th biggest CO2 emitter to the 25th. The project relies on the power tower method of production. In this solar thermal variation, a circle of moving mirrors, or heliostats, track the Sun as it moves across the sky. The mirrors focus light on a central tower. Heat from this concentrated light can reach up to 600˚C. These rays heat molten salt, which is used to generate steam and power a turbine.
4. Location: Mojave Desert, U.S.
Megawatts: 553 MW
Solar Company & Electric Utility: Solel and Pacific Gas & Electric
Status: Will start operating in 2011
More: Solel, an Israeli company, will use 1.2 million mirrors and 317 miles of vacuum tubing for the project. When complete, the solar field will cover 6,000 acres and bring power to 400,000 homes.
5. Location: California, U.S.
Megawatts: 400 MW
Solar Company: Solar Partners
Status: Scheduled to begin operations in 2012
More: The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS) will consist of three power towers, connected at a central point. The heliostats being considered are just over 7 feet tall and 10.5 feet wide. Construction will take place in three phases, beginning with two 100 MW towers and finishing with one 200 MW tower. Plants will use a gas boiler only during morning times, while the towers are warming, to start the day’s operations more quickly.
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