Fort Carson 2 MW Solar Array Tour

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The IEEE Pikes Peak Section Professional Activities Committee for Engineers, the IEEE Pikes Peak Section, and the Power and Energy Society are pleased to present:

“Tour of the Fort Carson 2 MW Solar Array”



When: Friday, Oct. 8, 11:30-12:30

Where: Fort Carson main gate (Gate 1) off of highway 115. Gather at the front parking lot next to the Kit Carson statue and Warrior Memorial Wall for a Ft. Carson bus to transport us to the solar array site.

This talk is open to all IEEE members. The group size is limited to 20 participants. You may bring a sack lunch to eat during the presentation.

Solar Array Details:

• $13 million 2 MW array generates ~3,200 MWh/year
• Largest array in the Army to date. Was the 7th largest in the country when it was completed.
• Array is ground-mounted, fixed-tilt covering ~12 acres, 6.5 of which cover the former landfill
• First Solar thin film PV technology (9.5% efficiency)
• Fixed, non-escalating energy rate of $0.055/kwh for 20 years
• Western Area Power Administration is contracting agent
• Project serves 2.0% of Ft. Carson’s load or the equivalent of 540 homes.
• Project completion date was 28 December 2007
• The PV panels carry a 25-year warranty
• Construction on a former landfill provides a unique reuse opportunity for an area otherwise limited in use
• Army funded the $650 thousand landfill cover to comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, state regulatory agency, cleanup regulations
• Fort Carson continues to be responsible for landfill monitoring and maintenance

Tour and technical discussion:

• Lead by Vince Guthrie, Fort Carson Directorate of Public Works Utility Programs Manager, CEM

Registration:
Please register online or contact Vincent at y.yang@ieee.org for help.

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