Locations where PV systems are beneficial:
Utah-Dangling Rope Marina, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. A 115 kilowatt solar array with a propane backup powers the facility, reducing annual emissions by 540 tons of carbon dioxide, 27,000 pounds of nitrous oxide, 2,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 5,183 pounds of carbon monoxide (EPA, 2001).
Atlanta-Climate Wise Partner Interface. Locations throughout the US average an electric load of 1.6-2.1 megawatts. Interface has installed PV arrays at several of it’s locations, the largest is a 127 kilowatt system, and along with several other arrays, brings the total to 150 kilowatts of solar energy produced by Interface (EPA, 2001).
California-Fetzer Vineyards. Has a 32 kilowatt array that generates about 62,000 kilowatt hours per year (EPA, 2001).
Solar energy arrives at the earth’s surface at an average rate of 180 watts per square meter but varies as a function of latitude (Craig et. al., 2001).