Thursday, November 5, 2015

Base getting solar project

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Plans have been approved for construction of a 10-megawatt solar power project at Fort Rucker, one of two major solar projects approved for the state Tuesday by the Alabama Public Service Commission. The facility is known as a Photovoltaic Solar Array System, and supports the Defense Department's plan calling for 25 percent of energy used at Army facilities to come from renewable sources by 2025. The Army is expected to consume a minimum of 51 percent of the power through an existing area contract with Alabama Power, which will own and operate the facility. The series of networked solar arrays will be located on about 110 acres within a former trailer park near an electrical substation that will be used for connectivity. The Public Service Commission approved a similar project Tuesday for the Anniston Army Depot. (Source: Dothan Eagle, 11/04/15) Fort Rucker is home of the Army's aviation training center.