Imagine an enormous patchwork quilt, which absorbs the sun’s rays. However, this blanket was not created from fabric scraps, but instead from massive stretches of solar panel. This is how large scale solar farms work. They are a solution more and more people are adopting as they tap into renewable sources.
Solar panels cover many hectares of land and convert the sunlight directly into electric power. This technology, also known as the photovoltaic, has experienced dramatic advances both in efficiency and in cost-effectiveness.
You may ask, “Why the huge leap to large scale?” Scale allows for greater efficiency and reduced costs. With photovoltaics covering large areas of ground or rooftops, we can generate gigawatts that could power thousands homes and businesses. This production efficiency decreases dependence on fossils fuels, reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, and provides a cleaner future.
Take a look at the life of a community that depends on an enormous solar farm. Sunrise and sunset are consistent, so power production is predictable. But what happens as the clouds roll or when night falls? It is here that energy storage techniques such as batteries or other technologies can be used to guarantee a constant supply of power.
A large-scale installation of solar panels is not just about placing a sea on the floor. Location scouting involves ecological assessments, as does integrating the solar farm with local communities. Balance is key when it comes to deciding the best location for solar farms. Sites will need enough sunlight, to be close to grids and have minimal ecological impact.
In fact, it is a wonderful irony that the star responsible for life on Earth can power our everyday lives. Imagine schools and hospitals powered by solar energy; almost poetic. Solar power on a large scale is not only a new technology, it’s also a way to improve the local community. Many large projects sit in rural areas, where farmers can lease land and earn a consistent income. Or they are located in places that increase local employment.
Technology itself is undergoing a transformation. Solar tracking systems and bifacial panel technology that captures sunlight from two sides are among the innovations that have been made to make systems more efficient.
With great strength — and responsibility — comes great duty. Massive solar farms are huge undertakings. It is important to plan carefully in terms land use and compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as community relations. In setting up the farms, the environment must be considered. Protecting native species, preserving habitats and ensuring projects blend in with the local ecosystem are all important.
Prior to the advent of solar power, the idea of setting up entire communities on this energy source was just a distant possibility. It’s not the same anymore. It is possible and practical to use this energy source in a variety of cities and suburbs.
Imagine a small village which relied upon diesel generators. As you flick the switch from diesel to solar, you see the lights turn on and the air is cleaner, the bills are lower, and the community feels more self-sufficient. This is an excellent demonstration of local impacts.
