The RE Garland solar power generation facility in the United States is a noteworthy contributor to the renewable energy landscape, ranked as the 1,480th largest plant out of 10,047 across the nation. With a capacity of 185.1 MW, it stands as the 28th largest solar installation among 3,289 solar plants, reflecting a growing commitment to harnessing solar energy within a predominantly gas-driven energy market. This facility contributes a mere 0.01% of the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, yet it signifies an important shift towards renewable sources in the U.S. energy mix. Commissioned in 2016 and operated by Southern Power Company, RE Garland employs advanced photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity. This technology allows for efficient energy production, particularly in sunny regions, and aligns with increasing federal and state initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy. Situated in a region characterized by a diverse array of energy sources, RE Garland is surrounded by several prominent power plants within a 50 km radius. Notable nearby facilities include the Castaic Hydro plant, which generates a substantial 1,682 MW, and the Alta Wind VIII plant with a capacity of 1,547 MW, both of which highlight the robust wind and hydro presence in the area. Additionally, the Pastoria Energy Facility, a gas plant producing 779 MW, and the Solar Star plants (Solar Star 1 and Solar Star 2) with capacities of 318 MW and 279 MW respectively, further illustrate the energy diversity in this locality. In the broader context of the U.S. energy profile, natural gas remains the dominant fuel source, but the increasing share of renewables like solar reflects a transition towards more sustainable practices. Facilities like RE Garland play a pivotal role in this shift, serving both economic and environmental purposes by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. As the demand for clean energy rises, RE Garland is positioned to contribute further to the national grid, enhancing energy resilience while promoting job creation in the renewable sector. The future of this facility looks promising, as ongoing advancements in solar technology are expected to increase efficiency and output, making solar energy an even more integral part of America's energy landscape.
10 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Solar
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileSolar power generation harnesses the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal systems to produce electricity. The basic principle of solar power generation involves converting sunlight into usable energy. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it excites electrons in the semiconductor material, generating an electric current. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, use sunlight to heat a fluid that, in turn, produces steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity. Both methods provide a clean and renewable energy source that is gaining significant traction worldwide.
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