Largest US Power Storing Solar Array Goes Live

Lucas123 writes "A solar power array that covers three square miles with 3,200 mirrored parabolic collectors went live this week, creating enough energy to power 70,000 homes in Arizona. The Solana Solar Power Plant, located 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, was built at a cost of $2 billion, and financed in large part by a U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee. The array is the world's largest parabolic trough plant, meaning it uses parabolic shaped mirrors mounted on moving structures that track the sun and concentrate its heat. A first: a thermal energy storage system at the plant can provide electricity for six hours without the concurrent use of the solar field. Because it can store electricity, the plant can continue to provide power during the night and inclement weather."

Comments

Thats a shitload of money

[Lawrence_Bird]

for not that many megawatts. Not to mention using up a ton of land.

  Is there any solar power that is not a blight on the land? Nothing quite like enhancing the scenery with 20 huge panels at roadside.

Re:WTF

[tompaulco]

If the government offers you 2 billion dollars to build a solar power plant, you build a solar power plant, whether you need one or not. It's not like they need to have this facility running 24/7 in order to supply electricity. Arizona still has plenty of coal, nuclear and natural gas power. Those will still supply the bulk of the power. The solar array will be used to supply power during peak times during the day.
You never build a Solar plant because you need more electricity. Because if you build one you also have to build a traditional plant in order for cloudy days and night. it just doesn't make economic sense. But if you don't actually NEED more power, and somebody is offering you a grant, then a Solar plant is a GREAT idea.