Difference between revisions of "Solar Farms in the California Central Coast Region"

Revision as of 01:28, 6 April 2017

Topaz Solar Farm in San Luis Obispo County. Image: [1]

This page discusses solar farms in the central coast region.

Summary

Technology and design

Movement of electrons in a photovoltaic cell. Image: [2]

Photovoltaic technology

Solar panels or arrays that converts solar energy directly into electricity implement photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Within each solar panel and array are small units of semiconductor material called PV cells. When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, some photons are absorbed by the semiconductor material.^[1] The photons transfer energy into the atoms of the semiconductor material and triggers the release of electrons.^[2] These electrons move to the front surface of the PV cell and create an electrical imbalance, with the surface having a more negative charge than the bottom. The imbalance results in a voltage potential similar to the positive and negative ends of a battery.^[3] Connecting electrical conductors to the positive and sides of the PV cell creates an electric current and generates electricity.^[4]

All existing and proposed solar farms in the central coast use or plant to implement PV technology.

Array Design

Fixed arrays

Fixed arrays are the simplest and most affordable design.^[5] These arrays are simply anchored on the ground or surface and remain stationary.

While more affordable, fixed arrays are subject to fluctuations in energy output throughout the day and year. Energy output is maximized when the sun's rays strike the arrays at a perpendicular angle. Since the angle between the arrays and sun changes daily and seasonally, the energy output of fixed arrays is frequently sub-optimal.^[6]

Solar trackers

Solar trackers address the shortfalls of fixed arrays. These arrays have motors that allow the panels to follow the sun and increase energy output.

Two types of solar trackers exist: single axis and dual axis. Single axis trackers move in a single direction allowing the tracking of the sun throughout the day. Dual axis trackers add an additional level of moment that allow to follow the sun's position according to time of year.

While the added complexities allow for increased energy output, they are more costly to implement and upkeep.^[7]

Locations in the Central Coast Region

Existing

Proposed

Impacts

Economic

Scenic

Environmental

Environmental Concerns

Endangered and threatened wildlife

California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Solar Farms

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) created the Renewable Energy Program to facilitate between the state's need for renewable energy and maintenance of natural resources. The Renewable Energy Program enforces compliance and grants permits renegading the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).^[11]

Carrizo Plain Monitoring of Endangered and Threatened Species

San Joaquin kit foxes near a solar farm in the Carrizo Plain. Image: [3]

On September 2, 2011, the CDFW issued a State Incidental Take Permit (2081-2011-04-04) in response to the presence of San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) in the proposed Topaz Solar Farm location. The Incidental Take Permit designated 12,147 acres of "mitigation lands" to serve as habitat for several threatened and endangered species.^[12] These species included in the report are:

• San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica)
• Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila)
• Giant Kangaroo Rat ( Dipodomys ingens)
• Listed Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi)
• Nelson’s Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni)
• Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
• Burrowing Owl ( Athene cunicularia)
• Pronghorn(Antilocapra americana)
• Tule Elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes)

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) notes that additional species of concern include^[13]:

• longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna)
• golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
• long-billed curlfew (Numenius americanus)
• loggerhead shrike fly (Lanius ludovicianus)

There are several more species that could be impacted by solar farms in the Carrizo Plain as it has the highest concentration of threatened and endangered species in the state.^[14]

Land Development

References

1. ↑ U.S. Energy Information Administration
2. ↑ Alternate Energy Tutorials
3. ↑ U.S. Energy Information Administration
4. ↑ NASA
5. ↑ Solar Panel Tilt
6. ↑ Community energy development co-operative
7. ↑ Community energy development co-operative
8. ↑ SunPower
9. ↑ First Solar
10. ↑ BHE Renewables
11. ↑ CDFW
12. ↑ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjwp6ivr4_TAhVPzGMKHSbsD-EQFggcMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnrm.dfg.ca.gov%2FFileHandler.ashx%3FDocumentID%3D78198&usg=AFQjCNH6xLMwbT4dlAImZfu8QkjdKLO0IA&sig2=Y_ePAOKK22Va4NUjvog-CQ (CDFW) California Department of Fish and Wildlife (US). 2013. Topaz Solar Farm Conservation Lands Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. 2013 Annual Report. Fresno: CDFW]
13. ↑ USFWS
14. ↑ The Nature Conservancy

Links

• California's Central Coast Region
• Monterey County

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of [CSUMB], its staff, or students.