The Redstone Arsenal has accepted bids to build the largest solar array in Alabama. At an estimated 10 to 14 megawatts in size, the array could have as many as 50,000 solar panels. The solar array will be developed and owned by private sources, but Redstone Arsenal will buy the electricity under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement. The Army will pay $.08 per KWH for power generated, with an escalation rate of no more than 2.5 percent annually. The Army has set a goal to have 25 percent of its energy produced by renewable sources by the year 2025. Its Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF) will work with the Huntsville Corps of Engineers to oversee the project. The vulnerability of the military to power outages was highlighted after the power-grid shut-down from th 2011 tornados. the cost of solar installations has dropped so dramatically over the past few years – from more than $3 to now just over $1.50 per watt – that it now makes sense financially for the Army. al/business/index.ssf/2014/09/contracts_due_sept_30_on_large.html#incart_river The Army has also started using portable solar array combat vehicles to provide power needs at HQ and other locations in the field. By setting up battery-backed solar power vehicles, it makes military units less reliant on diesel fuel generators- reducing the need to protect fuel convoys in hostile territory.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 21:16:38 +0000
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