Go Army, Go Solar...

[AC_Hacker]

There have been a number of official papers published in the last decade from military organizations in various parts of the world, addressing the need to begin moving away from total dependence on non-renewable energy.

So here is one of the more recent projects to move into renewable energy:

Deadline - October 5, 2012
US Army RFP seeking reliable locally generated renewable and alternative energy utilizing Power Purchase Agreements or other contractual equivalents. Over the course of 10 years, a total budget of $7,000,000,000 will be made available and Power Purchase Agreements will be acceptable for periods up to 30 years.

... yes, that is seven billion, with a 'B'.

This will be very good for economies of scale, and should help further reduce the price per watt of PV panels.

Best,

-AC

[natethebrown]

When I was in Qatar, I saw an incredible amount of waste energy. Everything ran on diesel generators, buildings were poorly insulated, and little to no renewable energy anywhere. The only renewable energy they had was some solar powered lamp posts illuminating a 3/4 mile sidewalk. You would think our government would be inclined to saving money somehow...

[AC_Hacker]

I think some explanation is in order here...

When I made this post, I only meant to point out that military organizations (all of whom I take a dim view of) in many parts of the world are becoming aware that there are undeniable changes in conventional energy availability approaching, and that urgent changes need to be made.

It follows that if those military organizations are making preparations against conventional energy shortfalls, we should pay close attention to this development, and consider that perhaps we should become likewise prepared.

The other point is that very large purchases of PV panels will be made which should lower the cost of panels in the long run.

I completely agree that enormous amounts of energy resources (and other resources) are being recklessly and irresponsibly squandered by various military organizations.

-AC

[Xringer]

Originally Posted by natethebrown

When I was in Qatar, I saw an incredible amount of waste energy. Everything ran on diesel generators, buildings were poorly insulated, and little to no renewable energy anywhere. The only renewable energy they had was some solar powered lamp posts illuminating a 3/4 mile sidewalk. You would think our government would be inclined to saving money somehow...

At most US military bases, even in suburban areas of the USA, they have their own power plants.
Because, they can't afford to rely on the local grid.

Plus, their power use is enormous, like almost all other organizations
that have an endless supply of taxpayers dollars to spend.

Just check out the electric bills of almost any city, state or federal dept.
Most of them waste power on a massive scale. The reason? It's free!!
It's free to them anyways.. The taxpayers pick up the tab for their stupidity.

But, there is good news. Governments can be forced off the oil habit.

Bermuda has always been at the mercy of oil prices..
But now, they have seen the light!
Department of Energy

I lived 100 yards from a diesel power plant for my two years in Bermuda.
https://maps.google.com/?ll=32.27193,-64.85538&z=18&t=h
Solar would have been much better.. But, that was 1963-65...

Anyways, that base is abandoned and no one wants to live there because of contamination etc..
So, the old Navy bases would be a great site for some solar PV farming!
They just need to make those PV farms hurricane resistant!