A #solar array project anticipated to make a big difference in terms of an environmental impact is being worked on at a #NASA flight facility. This facility is located in Wallops Island, VA. The expectation is that the renewable #energy project will meet a minimum of 80 percent of the location’s electrical consumption, which would equate to more than $3 million in savings. The numbers are substantial. Read on for more information about this #solar project!
The solar energy project is one which is savings-funded from #Ameresco. Prepare yourself to be even more impressed with numbers – it is anticipated to help lessen the carbon output for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s WWF, or the Wallops Flight Facility, by more than 4,300 metric tons on a yearly basis. If you are not familiar with this sort of measurement, you might be wondering what exactly this means. Well, according to Ameresco, that amount in terms of metric tons is comparable to canceling out CO2 emissions from electricity usage from more than 2,755 homes over the period of one year. Clearly, NASA is taking things to a new level when it comes to solar energy.
There are improvements in terms of infrastructure and renewable energy to the tune of $14 million in regard to this solar project. How soon will savings be seen? In cost savings during the first year, it is expected that the number will be around $537,000. Down the line, energy conservation measures coupled with solar output will likely allow for more than $3 million in energy savings. Ameresco and NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility have a solid energy savings performance contract. As a result, the Wallops Flight Facility will not have any upfront costs. Rather, the project is going to be funded via energy cost savings that come from the solar installation.
NASA’s Impressive Solar Project Details
This impressive solar project is going to entail having ground-mounted solar panels set up in close proximity to NASA Wallops Flight Facility’s airfield – in addition, there will be carport-canopy solar panels.
#Dave Pierce, #WFF director, communicated that the solar project is very important for a couple of reasons. For one, it sets the foundation for onsite generated energy to contribute to the current energy grid down the line. In addition, it creates an immediate clean energy source that will be put to good use – solar power.
Pierce mentioned that having a #solar field installed so close to such an important airspace is rare. But the hope is that this solar project will act as a model to other facilities interested in using a solar farm to lessen their carbon footprint.
A Solar Initiative Worth Emulating
According to Ameresco’s executive VP of federal solutions, Nicole Bulgarino, the company has had an extensive history working with NASA. The companies work together on innovative projects and hopefully embarking on this brand new solar initiative will be something other flight facilities attempt to emulate.
It seems to be an understatement to say that this solar farm is a great opportunity for NASA and Wallops. Solar Farm Project Manager, #Harold White, commented on how this is a very visible project.
This impressive renewable energy endeavor is going to make a big difference when it comes to NASA WFF meeting or even exceeding its goals for sustainability. Cutting non-renewable energy usage by 80 percent is certainly something worth talking about. It is no wonder that this huge solar farm is going to do big things, considering it is associated with NASA.
Following solar news always reveals plenty of interesting projects and endeavors. We can all make a difference on a smaller level. It is remarkable when huge players such as NASA opt to make a difference for this world. It is an out-of-this-world solar project that will hopefully continue to lead the way for the future. It will be interesting to see if this is going to be something which might set the stage down the road for other companies to attempt to match or beat in the race to go green.
Sources:
https://www.energymanagertoday.com/182844-0182844/
https://solarindustrymag.com/solar-project-to-meet-80-of-nasa-facilitys-electrical-consumption
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