Solar Power Drives CEET Greenhouses

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.

This is a small-scale solar power setup that can provide power for the average American home.     Image from: http://www.technyk.com/solaire.htm

This solar power field at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada 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.