I was on a road trip recently and I came across the SOLANA GENERATING STATION located near Phoenix Arizona, in Gila Bend.
I was amazed, the Solana solar plant is the 3rd largest in the world covering over 3 square miles of land. Arizona is a suitable place to build a large solar plant because it is a sunny state. A wonderful feature of this particular plant is the Concentrated Solar Thermal. The use of CST is storing energy when it is dark.
The construction of this plant signified the beginning of the reign of solar power as it was expected to generate 32 megawatts and power over 8500 homes. Alas, the plant has been beset with troubles since it became operational in 2013.
Solana's solar field contains about 900,000 parabolic mirrors, using a technology much different from the photovoltaic panels seen on many rooftops in metro Phoenix. To generate electricity, Solana's mirrors collect sunlight and focus it on tubes that contain a molten material, which heats up to more than 530 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot liquid is then pumped to two steam turbines that can put out a combined maximum 280 megawatts. About 30 megawatts of the electricity generated is needed to run the plant.
Its troubles began in 2014 when a specific machine whose function was to ensure that the oxides of nitrogen were not released to the earth’s atmosphere got faulty. The management did not perform required checks to ensure that the equipment was working properly. The plant has also battled leaks from containers, fire outbreaks and issues concerning low wages to employees.
Another major issue was the air pollution problems, in 2014; the company was investigated to find out if they had failed to keep the air quality rules. They were a fined a whopping 1.5 million dollars for not maintaining air quality standards. Due to these issues, they have not been able to keep up to their promises.
Solana did generate more electricity in its second year but is still well below its advertised potential. The plant did worse the second quarter of 2016 than it did in the same period in 2015. And with a July 2016 “microburst", the plant's third-quarter results for 2016 were abysmal.
https://steemit.com/technology/@chiama/solar-power-mtn-lumos-making-solar-energy-affordable
Cheers!
SY-
It’s amazing to find out that this company reason to be build is for clean energy, however they got in to trouble and fined for the opposite reason, they were actually polluting the environment. It’s almost hard to belive. I’m 💯100% pro clean energy, but they obviously have a long way to go. I was actually considering having installed solar panels on one side of our house’s roof, but the price for installation and material was just way too high, even with the governments tax deduction. It would take too long to get my investment back, if ever (considering maintenance and repairs). Of course, one day I can regret it not having sollar panels installed. If we ever have a blackout, as a matter of fact we not so long ago had in NY for three days, which was a nightmare, but f..k it, I will always find some alternatives. At least we will save on bill.lol
From what I can gather, this plant uses a technology that's really not viable!
Circulating molten metals in pipes among 1 MIL solar reflectors is just asking for upkeep nightmares.
They shoudl just shut it down or convert it but I do not believe this is a a viable tech, because it generates all kinds of negative chemical reactions that have to be compensated for artificially, and there is piping that goers all over (prone to leaks) and mechanical fixtures, SO MUCH TO GO WRONG. I don't believe it will ever really make a profit. It's a huge boondoggle from what I can see there... So seriously poor in design.
Fuck haha I saw tis post thinking COOL yeah Arizona with the SOLAR farm Nice and then I read the first comment and I was like aw man its broken? and its a solar farm that pollutes the environment LOL wtf
I want to just hope tha regulations are too strict but sounds like a piece of shit that some guys had built to make them rich Lol like they tried some new technology that probably would kinda work, but its like fuck why di we just build that shit LOL more problems than its worth! Fro what it sounds with the molten metal Lol wtf can't they use steem instead?
This place looks like big steel plates from the sky. Solar panels are great renewable source of energy. It is great source of energy in my country india because india is warm place like africa and summers lasted for 7 to 9 months a year. There is big shortage of electricity in my country so most of people use this solar panel at home to produce electricity. Thanks for sharing solana's trip experience with us.
I’m a huge fan of solar energy. Actualy anything that has to do with solar energy I’m up for it. Unfortunately it seems like they always take two steps back for every one step forward. Look at the solar stocks, it doesn’t help them much either. Now as you mentioned Solana is polluting atmosphere, which to me is so careless, they should be doing the exact opposite. They should know better. They have a lot to improve, just like crypto does. But at the end both solar energy and crypto are the bright future and we should take an advantage of these situations. Especially crypto, I hope we get one more dip, this famous panic selling dip. I’m not afraid of these kind of dips since I belive in crypto and it’s only matter of time when new bull market starts. Now it’s a great opportunity to add to portfolio.
Oh yeah, I always considered solar panels to be safe for the environment and I was amazed that it turns out that not all is clean, very interesting stuff! Thank you @surfyogi
I had no idea about solana solar plant.Now this is highly needed for the entire world to collect their energy from a different source.Solar is going to be the biggest source of electricity all over the world.Thanks for the post.@upvoted and resteemed
Here in my country you need a plant so the electric service with motors in dams does not work every time it is more deficient since they do not do maintenance to propiado would be a nice and positive project to build a solar power station here
Most of these faults are due the managements negligence.
Same thing happened to the bhopal plant during the gas tragedy.
Had we humans did our work properly, things would have been much better.
Unfortunate that such a big solar plant is not put to its best use.
In Morocco We have one of the biggest solar generators in Africa (the biggest project for our country so far)
Always happy to know tech..I voted you.@surfyogi perfect , but they have air pollution! how incredible! the opposite is what they have now. It shows technologies maybe it could be the future as crypto.
i am a strong believer in solar and all natural resourcesi think thats what best to keep down pollution
It's the largest solar power installations in the world. it is an environmental renewable benefit !!
Thanks for sharing @suryogi
No the largest solar power installation located in China
ok ...thanks for this clarification
Says 3rd biggest in the post... which makes me think u did not read it?
It's good to see things like this in order to make the world a better place.... @surfyogi
I've also made one final project using solar panels, and this post reminds me of my past.
such a really great steep to make the world muuch better, and finding some new ways of energy. thank you for sharing buddy.
It's amazing @surfyogi, I really salute Solana solar plant that can produce solar power that more than 8500 homes. But it's a pity that the factory is having problems, if only the factory is still working, of course it can help 8500 homes with solar power in his possession. This is very useful for many people. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful day ... :)
What I know about solar solana is very needed in our life and the whole earth though, Now it is needed all over the world to collect energy from different sources. Solar will be the largest power source in the world and will be in the world in the first kalua countries that do not use diesel then the country will be tnggal and not enough and can not meet the energy source in need. Thanks for this post.
We do have to look out for solar energy as our future, as it is renewable source of energy and can be used time n time again And the best part about it is that it does mess with our environment, no pollution, Most countries are switching to it, but I'm sure in near future World energy forum would take it as main source of energy
While in use, solar panels create absolutely no waste or emissions. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, they produce clean, renewable energy from a fuel source that requires no locating, excavation, transportation, or combustion. It's a simpler, cheaper, cleaner, and all-around better energy solution. The Solana Generating Station, located outside of Gila Bend, harnesses the power of the sun long after it goes down when APS customers need it most. Solana is one of the largest thermal solar plants in the world. This is an innovative technology that uses the heat of the sun to create steam to power a traditional turbine and allows the sun’s energy to be stored and used after dark. APS committed to buy 100 percent of the power output from Solana for 30 years, providing our customers with clean and reliable energy, while adding to Arizona’s economy. With enough energy to power 70,000 homes, Solana contributes to Arizona’s continuing leadership in solar energy.
Please do not spam my posts with crap from the internet!
thank you so much for share with us,,,
lovely
wow very excellent post Thanks for sharing i will done upvote..
When fossil fuel stock is coming down now its high time to think about a alternative source.Solar can be the best solution of power.If they are not doing good still I think they are producing good amount of energy.That is saving also our planet from pollution.In entire world every one is concern about power crisys. Solar can be tje best solution.Thanks for such important post.@upvote resteem
Solana uses the first U.S. application of an innovative thermal energy storage system with molten salt as the energy storage media, combined with parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) technology. While the CSP technology is similar to technology that was initially used in the 1980s, Solana is the largest energy storage project and the first in the United States to store over 1000 MWh of energy that is dispatchable on demand without sunlight. The project spans roughly three square miles and consists of over 32,000 collector assemblies—each comprised of 28 curved mirrors—to efficiently concentrate the sun’s energy into a heat transfer fluid. A synthetic oil-based heat transfer fluid heats water to produce steam, which drives a conventional steam turbine generator.
I generally thought to be sun oriented boards to be alright for the earth and I was astounded that things being what they are not all is spotless, exceptionally fascinating stuff! Much obliged to you @surfyogi
The majority of these deficiencies are expected the administrations carelessness.
Same thing happened to the bhopal plant amid the gas catastrophe.
Had we people did our work appropriately, things would have been greatly improved.
Disastrous that such a major sun powered plant isn't put to its best utilize.
Sir, You always share the good & hidden content.
Its looks like a wonderful Solar project but after reading your post, it looks like it didn't work out properly. What's it current situation?
Thank you so much for that.
Wow Beautiful Photographs.
Sir @sufryogi I always try to follow your post.This post about solar is very important for all.Solar is now highly needed technology for tje whole world.It can create electricity very easily with low expanditure.This is a well come technology. Sir if you have some time then please visit my blog.Thanks in advance.
This is amazing boss. I love to spread good info, May i resteem?
Excellent place friend how important these plants are in the world are healthier for our planet I think a lot of them on the autumn I saw a documentary of one in Indonesia it was magnificent how could that plant feed a whole town and with a great low cost of payment In reality, everyone won the consumer, the company and the planet or the site because the air was healthier and the rivers were not used to dam as in the majority of the electric companies in the world, I think it is a project that should be do globally excellent post dear friend I love it is very interesting and productive this topic good job greetings
wow, what a great solar plant. Thanks for the information. I hope this type renewable energy system will be more common.
Solar energy is a right step towards curbing climate change and providing cleaner renewable energy too.
I got this message perfectly on the need to strife hard to carve a niche and watch to soar high from the quote below on Solana
I wondered how Solana didn't breached the air quality principle or rule since Solar energy is a clean energy source. Any chances of air pollution even mild?
Yes right and China becomes world's largest solar power producer in 2017. I notice that the world is heading towards a world free of toxic emissions and this is important to us, the human race, because it will bring life back to our planet
This is really a huge solar power station. If India can also set up this station, this will end the electricity crisis here a lot.
Makes me want to invest in Silver more 😬
Is this the same company that received subsidies then almost went bancrupt? Sounds like they are still not doing well yet?
SOLANA GENERATING STATION : This is amazing sir never seen like this,thanks a lot for sharing with us sir,good to see a bloppost from from as iam waiting from the past four days,have a nice day.
Holy cow I had no idea that massive of solar stations even existed! Kind of breathtaking honestly. Made me look up the ones that were even bigger.
Also not to track off from your post, but I saw how you have also made an impact on the POH (Products of Help Initiative) and just wanna say its all incredible what it possible through the Steem blockchain. I've begun to start working with the project and plan on donating some of my earnings to it to hopefully keep changing lives with it.
can't seem to get it right can they?
perhaps they need more tax money
that ought to fix it.
Something must be wrong somewhere, either financially or a problem with the government, because solar power is one of the most effective way of generating electricity without effects to the sorroubdings.
A lot of people is our African continent are beginning to see how productive solar power is and the cheap means of using it, instead of the high cost of hydroelectricity we pay to the governments or power holding companies, people now generate electricity for themselves with solar power.
I'm just surprised how big it is,what a great
@surfyogi, Absolutely greatest information you provided via best quality post. I'm using solar power for some my home activities and I'm best fan of solar power. I've heard before about Solana solar plant in Arizona. I complete your trip report review. Exactly most interesting and powerful contents indeed. Arizona is still the second-largest solar installer in the U.S., but the state’s photovoltaic installations plunged 41 percent 2013 year, largely because many utility-scale power plants had been finished. Utilities have wrapped up enough solar to meet the state’s renewable energy standards for the foreseeable future.In 2016 Solana generating station 2016 were abysmal. But if not happened sure....it will also provides a new type of solar generating technology that likely will be more common in the future as another renewable energy collector. Thank you...
Authorities should keep track of the solar station..This apathy leads to nowhere.
I have the idea to implement a solar panel in my home so that I will be able to produce the electricity needed to run my house..But installing such is very costly..Here,near to my place,an airport operates completely in solar power! We can do if we have the desire!
i always thought they were traditional solar panels. That is crazy that they heat up the molten material running through that little tube to a temperature that high. I am also wondering how they produce air pollution. From what?
amazing! the enjoy
In case of Solar Power Plant, number of units generated and Tariff decides your profit. Number of units generated depends on:
1.Irradiance
2.Peak Sunshine Hours(PSH)
3.Quality of equipment used.
For Tariff, it totally depends on modes of business model and policies of government.For large scale solar power plant, Tariff decide your profit. If your tariff is less than 5, there is no point in investing your money because it will take more than 10 years to recover your money. At present government usually provides tariff from Rs 5.5-6 per unit. Roughly , in 8-9 years your money will be recovered and after that your plant will starts generating profit for you.If you are looking for big profits then i will suggest you setting a plant of more than 15 MW...... Really @surfyogi you share knowledgeable post which will surely help many in future ...... I had some knowledge about solar energy in india so I thought it will be worth to share this information
this is massive in the upcoming time seems like we all will be seeing a paradigm shift towards the renewable energy
I am a big fan of you sir. i am waiting for your post
thanks for sharing sir
slowly and steadily the potential will rise a lot didn't knew about this project thanks for sharing
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