Do Military Bases Use Solar Panels

Energy grid and concluded that the military needs to rely more on solar power in order to eliminate weaknesses in the grid.

Do military bases use solar panels. As of early 2013 there are more than 130 megawatts mw of solar photovoltaic pv energy systems powering navy army and air force bases in at least 31 states and the district of columbia. Duke energy installed solar panels on the rooftops of 284 homes at the shaw air force base in south carolina. The military proves otherwise. The department of defense has actually been in the forefront of solar technology development for a few decades now since the 1970s.

Military bases are using wind solar and battery storage to stay resilient in the face of extreme weather or attack. A 12 5 megawatt pv solar power plant being developed at the u s. According to design news reports this base is home to the american military s largest solar energy collection system. Fuel use is down at the company s patrol bases because the solar equipment replaces generators the military says.

Only a few military bases have installed solar panel systems which generally cover only part of their loads. For some platoons at remote outposts solar power is all there is said maj. Beyond providing fort huachuca electricity options the project promotes the u s. Learn more about the military s use of solar.

Shaw air force base was founded in 1927. It provides more than 30 percent of the base s power needs. Trump says america needs coal for grid security. It s also the first military housing solar project in the state.

Excess energy from the bases will be redistributed to 18 000 homes in the area. The base will now have the ability to island and run electric power completely off the grid using its solar power source when needed. Army s energy security objectives. The 5 865 solar panels that were installed were estimated to cut 40 of electricity use at shaw military housing.

A 13 78 megawatt system at the naval air weapons station china lake in california built in 2012. The new solar panels will ease stress on the local power grid. Coronal energy s contract with the department of defense to install a combined 1 5 million solar panels on three military bases one air force base one navy base and one army base in florida. Most military bases remain unprotected against long term interruption of electrical power.

Spanning a dozen acres this solar array produces 3 200 megawatt hours mwh every year. Army s redstone arsenal in alabama. Sean sadlier the marine expeditionary energy liaison officer at camp leatherneck in afghanistan.