CEET's Use of Solar Power

CEET has installed photovoltaic panels to produce 3 kW of power to supplement the energy requirements of our greenhouse. More importantly, this system is used for public education and demonstration. The photovoltaic panels are mounted on sturdy metal poles and brackets that angle the panels toward the sun. When the sun is shining on the panels, electricity is generated and fed into the electrical grid in our greenhouse. This electricity helps to power our exhaust fans, misters, pumps, and lighting. If nothing is drawing energy (all fans, motors, and lights off), the solar energy will feed electricity back into the grid and cause the power meter to reverse directions.

To the left is an example of a small-scale solar power setup. This residential system provides limited power for the average American home. Image from: http://www.technyk.com/solaire.htm

This is a solar power field at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, which is the largest photovoltaic power plant in North America. It is situated on 140 acres, with 70,000 solar panels that generate 15 megawatts of solar power.