U.S.'s Largest Solar-Electric Plant Goes Online

[LMagic007]

Originally Posted by spadlet

Why are the panels facing different directions?

*edited to include 'as in particularly the cases where they are facing in opposite directions to each other'*

I imagine the panels may face different directions, to average out the electrical output performance of the panels throughout the day. Perhaps panels laid flat on the ground don't get maximum light, due to the azimuth angle of light from the sun as it passes over. This may also include factoring in the weather for that location and refracted light through clouds and haze. Not sure though, that's only a guess.

[fireandrain]

The company that owns the power plant is leasing the land for free from the air force. The air force is buying the electricity from the company at a reduced price. SAVING THE AIR FORCE 1 million a year. None of the 100 million building costs was paid for by the air force.

Good deal all round.

[seven]

Certainly a good first step. When scientists get these panels up from 15% efficiency to 80 or 90%, then we'll be in business!

[LMagic007]

Originally Posted by seven

Certainly a good first step. When scientists get these panels up from 15% efficiency to 80 or 90%, then we'll be in business!

There's nothing like optimism.