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Let's Take a Look at the Top 5 Largest Solar Panel Systems

ryan-frank | Mar 2, 2010 |

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Solar power is only limited to the size of the solar panel installation. If you want more energy, all you need to do is install more panels. As more people realize the benefits of solar energy, larger solar panels are being invested in the infrastructure for better harvesting of energy. Completely sustainable, solar energy can harvest great amounts of energy if the installation is large enough. Here's an examination of the top 5 largest solar panel systems in the world.

Google's Solar Panel System on its Mountain View Campus in California
Google lined the roofs of its 4 main buildings as well as 2 nearby buildings with 9,912 solar panels. They create 1.6 megawatts of energy- enough to supply an average of 1,000 Californian homes. It is one of the largest corporate installations in the country. The system was installed by Energy Innovations in Pasadena.
Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada
This air force base holds one of the largest solar panel systems in North America. It's a 14 megawatt facility that produces 30 million kilowatt hours of power a year. It saves an annual $1 million in electricity and reduces carbon dioxide by 24,000 tons every year. It's has a hefty price tag of $100 million to construct and spans over 140 acres of desert. The 72,000 solar panels provide 30 % of the base's electrical power supply. Sun Power designed the facility.
Nevada Solar One
The largest concentrated solar power plant in the world, the Nevada Solar One plant produces 64 to 75 MW. That adds up to 134 million kilowatts every year. It cost $266 million to construct, takes up 300 acres and can supply power to 15,000 homes.
Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Florida
This center is one of the largest solar photovoltaic plants in the country. The solar power panel installation produces 25 megawatts and was unveiled in 2009.
Demming, New Mexico
Though not scheduled to be operating until next year, the plant that's planned for Demming, New Mexico will be the world's largest solar panel system. The 300 megawatt facility will be 15 times the size of the current largest solar panel system on the planet. It will create 300 to 500 jobs and cover 1,300 hectares. Project planners estimate that the plant will provide energy to 240,000 homes.

Given the beautiful and sunny weather in San Diego, CA, solar power is a great way to go green while saving some green, so check out what options are available to make your home more environmentally friendly, as well.