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Who we are>Environmental Commitment>Photovoltaic Plant
IntroductionColorado's excellent solar resource makes our state a prime location for solar research installations. Platte River's 10 kW Photovoltaic Pilot Plant, turning sunlight into electricity, has evaluated four types of collector/tracking systems. It is hoped that the results from this study will provide a base of information for future photovoltaic installations in northern Colorado. The oil crisis of the 1970s focused the world's attention on alternative and renew-able energy sources. Much of its demand shifted from oil to coal and other sources of energy. But, great hope lies in renewable sources such as the sun.
Photovoltaics may be the perfect energy source. They are nonpolluting, there is a minimal maintenance after installation, and they do not consume precious resources. This ten-kilowatt demonstration plant could supply the electric needs of only three homes in Fort Collins, so photovoltaics are not expected to replace conventional sources of electricity; however, they could supplement coal-fired or hydroelectric generating stations by providing power to meet peak loads.
The process of turning sunlight into electricity, photovoltaics, is already cost-effective in remote locations. It can pump water or power radio transmitters. Some people have successfully built photovoltaic systems to provide electricity for mountain cabins, and costs continue to come down as more systems are installed and the technology improves.
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