TOPIC 'Solar Energy' on Jan 13, 2009 (CET)
Alamogordo First Airport In New Mexico To Reap Benefits From Solar Technology
Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport recently installed solar energy cells that generates 8 KW power and transfers it to New Mexico’s transmission grid. This installation is expected to save the airport $400-$500 per month in electricity costs. The airport traditionally spends about $30,000 per year on runway lighting, air conditioning, and power for the airport beacon.
The airport at Alamogordo has recognized the advantages of using the power of the sun to save money. Sacred Power, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, installed the system for the airport. A $100,000 grant from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department made the project possible. Sacred Power faced the daunting task of constructing a structure that would be capable of surviving winds upwards of 100 mph. The installation procedure had to take the power of the winds into account for all hardware, panels, and posts that are needed to maintain the structure as well.
Issuance and acceptance of the grant required an educational element, whereby University students were allowed a “hands-on” opportunity of getting to handle some components of the system and see up-close how the components worked together. The day-long seminar was designed to enhance the learning experience and knowledge of the students for the benefit of future generations.
More educational benefits are planned involving this system at the airport. There is a monitoring system in place that will upload the output of the system to the City’s web site for all to view and observe how the project is working. As well, online data will be available from a weather station to be installed on the roof of the airport’s main building.
Solar installations are becoming increasingly more common, according to a spokesperson for PNM, the public utility in New Mexico. In 2007, there were 88 solar connections to the state’s electrical grid. As of mid-December 2008, there were 180. Since the Federal Government removed the cap on tax benefits, more solar units are expected to come online.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
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