Ivanpah: the world’s largest solar farm opens in California
The world’s largest solar farm, Ivanpah, is set to open in California later this week – proof that solar power continues to see heavy investment in the US despite reductions in government subsidies and a series of market failures
Ivanpah, the world's largest solar farm, spans across a 5sq m site comprised of three 40 storey towers and 350,000 mirrors. It is expected to power around 140,000 homes a year
While much of the focus of energy discussion in the US has been the country’s booming natural gas and oil markets – transformed by fracking – the solar energy market has been quietly restoring its reputation.
Ivanpah statistics
$2.2bn
Cost of construction
$1.6bn
Federal loan guarantee
5sq m
Size of site
40 storey
Comprises three 40 storey towers
350,000
Mirrors
140,000
Homes it will power every year
This week, California – a state at the forefront of renewable energy investment – sees the opening of the world’s largest solar farm. US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz will officially open the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station on Thursday. Owned by NRG Energy, Google and BrightSource Energy, the facility has cost a total of $2.2bn to construct, with a $1.6bn federal loan guarantee underpinning the project.
The five square mile site, just to the southwest of Las Vegas, will include three 40 storey tall towers and 350,000 mirrors. It is hoped that the facility will be capable of powering roughly 140,000 homes every year, and it represents the first of a number of similarly mammoth solar farms to come in the state.
The Topaz Solar Farm, to the southwest of San Luis Obispo County, currently generates 300MW of energy, but that will increase to 550MW in 2015. Another farm, Dester Sunlight, will soon be generating 300MW, with a further 250MW upon its completion next year.
The industry has faced a number of years of considerable criticism for high technology costs that generated little returns, as well serious mismanagement at firms like Solyndra that cost taxpayers huge sums. However, solar power in California is fighting back against the difficulties of the past. It is expected to double its capacity by 2020, from the current level of 3.04GW, and if the state its own country it would represent the fourth largest for solar capacity in the world.
However, despite the apparent enthusiasm for solar energy, there have been some problems with the new Ivanpah farm. Birds that are flying over the farm are reportedly being scorched by the reflection of the solar panels. Whether this proves as big a problem for the industry in the future remains to be seen.
