Construction of a Photovoltaic Power System at Natural Bridges National Monument

摘要

In 1979, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, in conjunction with the US Department of Energy and of the Interior, built a 100-kW-peak photovoltaic (PV) power system at Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. At present, this system is the largest of its kind in the world. The construction phases of the program are described, and a chronological history of the events and problems encountered when such a large and complex task is undertaken in a remote area with very limited fabrication facilities is given. This experiment will demonstrate the application of solar energy to the variety of loads found in a small and remote community. This solar energy system was designed to meet all electrical requirements when there is no utility grid, with only occasional back-up from an existing diesel generator. (ERA citation 06:010561)