Making use of solar energy, for many years, has been proven to be a powerful, clean yet cheap source of energy which makes use of the energy from the sun. As such, this is a cheap and easily available source of energy which can prove to drastically reduce your monthly electricity bills. There is a growing importance in todayโs world for sustainability practices and embracing environmentally friendly approaches to everyday life. This is especially so given the increases in energy and fuel prices, it is important to find alternative solutions to use energy so as to reduce dependence and costs. As a nation, USA has also worked hard on developing the solar industry, especially in 2012. Installations increased by almost 76 percent in 2012 when compared to 2011. This is representative of about $11.5 billion. Solar projects were directed at both commercial and residential areas and growth was visible. However, utility-scale solar was the most important aspect of solar project worked on in 2012.
Agua Caliente Phase I-IV
Agua Caliente Phase I-IV can be said to be Americaโs largest utility scale photovoltaic solar generation facilities given its 287 MW generation capacity online. This project, if successful, is capable of providing sufficient renewable and clean electricity needed to power more than 100,000 homes every year. This solar power project has also been instrumental in creating about 1,400 local jobs at its peak. Agua Caliente continues to offer economic opportunities for businesses.
Alamosa Solar
This second project is based in Colorado and is known to be the largest high-concentration solar facility world-wide. This project is aimed at creating solar panels which can be controlled via a tracking system which will rotate and tilt the panels throughout the day. This will help the solar panels capture as much of the sunโs energy, where available. This solar power project is known to be an efficient system, making use of Fresnel lenses to tap on available sunlight. A successful project thus far, Alamosa has been producing clean, renewable energy so as to power more than 5,100 homes. This will also help avoid emissions of almost 34,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide on a yearly basis.
Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One
This solar facility is located close to Los Angeles. Once the project is fully operational, the Solar Ranchโs annual capacity will be able to generate more than 230 MW of renewable energy enough to power 75,000 homes. This solar project has also created more than 900 workers at the peak of its construction. The project is designed to meet energy needs of 42,700 Southern California homes on yearly basis.
Mesquite Solar 1
This solar power facility is situated in Maricopa County and ideally taps into 300 days of sunshine, which is available yearly. This solar project is designed to generate around124 MW of renewable, clean electricity. This solar power project has also created close to 530ย jobs at the peak of its construction. The facility is designed to create 1000 MW renewable energy by the end of 2013.
California Valley Solar Ranch Phase I-IV
This solar power facility is based in San Luis Obispo and is considered as an ideal location because of the presence of abundant sunlight. Once this project is complete, the Solar Ranch is said to be able to reach a total generation capacity of 250 MW. This is almost enough energy to power every home present in San Luis Obispo County. ย Expected to generate almos $10 million in total tax revenues, the solar power facility is said to now inject $315 million into the local economy.
