Amazing Solar Farms Means Lower Electricity Prices
Big Farms and Low Prices
Solar energy is a great way to lower the cost of powering your home or business. What’s fascinating about solar energy is the way that it is created – or rather, collected. Solar energy is collected with solar panels. Solar panels are constructed with one or several varieties of silicone and metals to hold them together. The materials used to make solar panels is resilient enough to function well for years despite extensive exposure to the elements. Solar panels are generally low-maintenance, long-lasting, and helpful in reducing the cost of electricity and energy bills. The availability of solar panels is such that most consumers can afford to have them on their homes and in their yards, usually mounted on wooden frames if they are placed in yards. Also fascinating about solar energy is the size of some solar energy collection facilities, called, ‘solar farms,’ or ‘solar power plants.’ Together, solar farms work to ensure there is ready access to affordable power, and less reliance on fossil fuels.
Topaz Solar Farm
The largest solar farm in the world is located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Perhaps this comes as no surprise to anyone who has lived in or visited the deserts in that region, but the expansive photovoltaic plant is called the Topaz Solar Farm. Topaz Solar Farm produces some 1100 gigwatt hours each year, powering about 150,000 homes in the region. The project cost about 2.5 billion, and was under construction for approximately three years.
Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System
Another massive solar energy facility located in California, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System differs from traditional solar energy farms in that it produces power from solar thermal energy. Solar Thermal Energy uses mirrors to direct heat from the sun to a water source. When the water source is heated, the steam produced powers a turbine. The turbine, in turn, powers a generator, which then powers homes and businesses. The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is the largest project of its kind. In mid-2016, the project found itself in danger of being shut down, as it was not producing energy as intended, but it remains functional, and able to provide power.
The China Minsheng Investment Project
The largest proposed solar farm in the world will be in northwest China, in the town of Gaoshawo, Ningxia. Created with the specific purpose of creating a source of affordable, sometimes free, energy to a large number of struggling people in China, the project is still in its planning phase, and there is not a clear date for construction to be completed, but the proposals are ambitious: nearly two and a half billion dollars is being invested into the solar facility. According to Bloomberg, the project was roughly half-way complete with construction as of June 2016. The solar farm is expected to cover an area equivalent to roughly 7,000 city blocks, or almost 600 square miles.
Large Solar Energy Production Facilities are Investments in the Future
The larger a solar facility, the more expensive, but naturally, the more money-saving green energy it is able to provide. Getting more green energy is as easy as calling your local energy provider. The future will undoubtedly see more and more renewable energy-producing facilities built, and provide more opportunities for everyday people to save money and use energy that helps, not hurts, the planet.
