Solar Panel Arrays Atop the Googleplex

Google Solar Project Courtesy Blue Oak Energy, Inc.

Google now has a solar system on it’s roof tops and carports that will pay for itself in as little as 7.5 years. With the price of energy in the stratosphere, it makes economical sense to invest in a solar system that can supply a large chuck of the power required to run a commercial business or a residential home. The energy savings will immediately be felt in a reduction from the largest tier based electric costs. By designing a system that produces the brunt of the electricity requirements, a residential homeowner or commercial business can reduce their dependence on the electrical grid.

Most new solar systems are designed with the capabilities of feeding directly into the electrical power grid when the sun is out, and the panels are producing electricity. Where as in the evening, the consumer or business draws off the grid, when demand is typically low. New meters are installed that will operate in both directions. When the solar system is generating more power than is being used at the immediate location at that time, the meter will in fact run backwards. Alternatively, when using more electricity than is being supplied by the photovoltaic solar systems, the meter will run in the forward direction.

Some businesses and homeowners have gone and installed more solar arrays above and beyond what makes the most economical sense. This, while helping to eliminate the dependence on the power grid, will substantially extend the payback period.

Check out some of the slide shows of the photo voltaic, PV systems designed and installed by Blue Oak Energy Inc.

Also check out a couple of videos below.
The first one is a time lapse construction of the solar carports.

The second one is a conceptualized version using Google Earth and Google SketchUp to view the different installations at the Google facilities.

Article by: Jim Warholic
Professional Web Services, Inc.