Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Solar Array

Overview

The Naval Facilities Public Works Department on Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (GTMO) is leveraging solar power to meet its energy needs and reduce costs. The new photovoltaic (PV) array project is part of the Public Works Office’s energy strategic plan to increase shore-based renewable energy sources and reduce GTMO’s dependence on fossil fuels by 42%, targeting 2020 as the completion year.

Features

The PV array provides 700 kilowatts of energy per day or roughly 250,000 kilowatts a year, making the NEX self-sufficient and potentially saving $508,000 annually. The array is projected to reduce 700 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to 1.6 million miles driven per year by an average passenger vehicle. With an estimated 20- to 25-year lifetime power reliability has been increased with minimal maintenance and no adverse environmental impacts.