TRIP REPORT - SOLANA GENERATING STATION - The Solar Meltdown

in travel •  7 years ago  (edited)

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I was on a road trip recently and I came across the SOLANA GENERATING STATION located near Phoenix Arizona, in Gila Bend.



I was amazed, the Solana solar plant is the 3rd largest in the world covering over 3 square miles of land. Arizona is a suitable place to build a large solar plant because it is a sunny state. A wonderful feature of this particular plant is the Concentrated Solar Thermal. The use of CST is storing energy when it is dark.

The construction of this plant signified the beginning of the reign of solar power as it was expected to generate 32 megawatts and power over 8500 homes. Alas, the plant has been beset with troubles since it became operational in 2013.

Solana's solar field contains about 900,000 parabolic mirrors, using a technology much different from the photovoltaic panels seen on many rooftops in metro Phoenix. To generate electricity, Solana's mirrors collect sunlight and focus it on tubes that contain a molten material, which heats up to more than 530 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot liquid is then pumped to two steam turbines that can put out a combined maximum 280 megawatts. About 30 megawatts of the electricity generated is needed to run the plant.

Its troubles began in 2014 when a specific machine whose function was to ensure that the oxides of nitrogen were not released to the earth’s atmosphere got faulty. The management did not perform required checks to ensure that the equipment was working properly. The plant has also battled leaks from containers, fire outbreaks and issues concerning low wages to employees.
Another major issue was the air pollution problems, in 2014; the company was investigated to find out if they had failed to keep the air quality rules. They were a fined a whopping 1.5 million dollars for not maintaining air quality standards. Due to these issues, they have not been able to keep up to their promises.

Solana did generate more electricity in its second year but is still well below its advertised potential. The plant did worse the second quarter of 2016 than it did in the same period in 2015. And with a July 2016 “microburst", the plant's third-quarter results for 2016 were abysmal.


Shout out to @chiama, I saw her article on Solar Power and remembered I should post something about Solana!

https://steemit.com/technology/@chiama/solar-power-mtn-lumos-making-solar-energy-affordable

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Cheers!
SY-

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Its troubles began in 2014 when a specific machine whose function was to ensure that the oxides of nitrogen were not released to the earth’s atmosphere got faulty.

It’s amazing to find out that this company reason to be build is for clean energy, however they got in to trouble and fined for the opposite reason, they were actually polluting the environment. It’s almost hard to belive. I’m 100% pro clean energy, but they obviously have a long way to go. I was actually considering having installed solar panels on one side of our house’s roof, but the price for installation and material was just way too high, even with the governments tax deduction. It would take too long to get my investment back, if ever (considering maintenance and repairs). Of course, one day I can regret it not having sollar panels installed. If we ever have a blackout, as a matter of fact we not so long ago had in NY for three days, which was a nightmare, but f..k it, I will always find some alternatives. At least we will save on bill.lol

From what I can gather, this plant uses a technology that's really not viable!
Circulating molten metals in pipes among 1 MIL solar reflectors is just asking for upkeep nightmares.
They shoudl just shut it down or convert it but I do not believe this is a a viable tech, because it generates all kinds of negative chemical reactions that have to be compensated for artificially, and there is piping that goers all over (prone to leaks) and mechanical fixtures, SO MUCH TO GO WRONG. I don't believe it will ever really make a profit. It's a huge boondoggle from what I can see there... So seriously poor in design.

Fuck haha I saw tis post thinking COOL yeah Arizona with the SOLAR farm Nice and then I read the first comment and I was like aw man its broken? and its a solar farm that pollutes the environment LOL wtf

I want to just hope tha regulations are too strict but sounds like a piece of shit that some guys had built to make them rich Lol like they tried some new technology that probably would kinda work, but its like fuck why di we just build that shit LOL more problems than its worth! Fro what it sounds with the molten metal Lol wtf can't they use steem instead?

This place looks like big steel plates from the sky. Solar panels are great renewable source of energy. It is great source of energy in my country india because india is warm place like africa and summers lasted for 7 to 9 months a year. There is big shortage of electricity in my country so most of people use this solar panel at home to produce electricity. Thanks for sharing solana's trip experience with us.

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

I’m a huge fan of solar energy. Actualy anything that has to do with solar energy I’m up for it. Unfortunately it seems like they always take two steps back for every one step forward. Look at the solar stocks, it doesn’t help them much either. Now as you mentioned Solana is polluting atmosphere, which to me is so careless, they should be doing the exact opposite. They should know better. They have a lot to improve, just like crypto does. But at the end both solar energy and crypto are the bright future and we should take an advantage of these situations. Especially crypto, I hope we get one more dip, this famous panic selling dip. I’m not afraid of these kind of dips since I belive in crypto and it’s only matter of time when new bull market starts. Now it’s a great opportunity to add to portfolio.

Oh yeah, I always considered solar panels to be safe for the environment and I was amazed that it turns out that not all is clean, very interesting stuff! Thank you @surfyogi

Here in my country you need a plant so the electric service with motors in dams does not work every time it is more deficient since they do not do maintenance to propiado would be a nice and positive project to build a solar power station here

Most of these faults are due the managements negligence.
Same thing happened to the bhopal plant during the gas tragedy.
Had we humans did our work properly, things would have been much better.
Unfortunate that such a big solar plant is not put to its best use.

I had no idea about solana solar plant.Now this is highly needed for the entire world to collect their energy from a different source.Solar is going to be the biggest source of electricity all over the world.Thanks for the post.@upvoted and resteemed

In Morocco We have one of the biggest solar generators in Africa (the biggest project for our country so far)

@surfyogi perfect , but they have air pollution! how incredible! the opposite is what they have now. It shows technologies maybe it could be the future as crypto.
Always happy to know tech..I voted you.

i am a strong believer in solar and all natural resourcesi think thats what best to keep down pollution

It's the largest solar power installations in the world. it is an environmental renewable benefit !!

Thanks for sharing @suryogi

No the largest solar power installation located in China

ok ...thanks for this clarification

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Says 3rd biggest in the post... which makes me think u did not read it?

It's good to see things like this in order to make the world a better place.... @surfyogi

I've also made one final project using solar panels, and this post reminds me of my past.

such a really great steep to make the world muuch better, and finding some new ways of energy. thank you for sharing buddy.

It's amazing @surfyogi, I really salute Solana solar plant that can produce solar power that more than 8500 homes. But it's a pity that the factory is having problems, if only the factory is still working, of course it can help 8500 homes with solar power in his possession. This is very useful for many people. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful day ... :)

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What I know about solar solana is very needed in our life and the whole earth though, Now it is needed all over the world to collect energy from different sources. Solar will be the largest power source in the world and will be in the world in the first kalua countries that do not use diesel then the country will be tnggal and not enough and can not meet the energy source in need. Thanks for this post.

We do have to look out for solar energy as our future, as it is renewable source of energy and can be used time n time again And the best part about it is that it does mess with our environment, no pollution, Most countries are switching to it, but I'm sure in near future World energy forum would take it as main source of energy

While in use, solar panels create absolutely no waste or emissions. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, they produce clean, renewable energy from a fuel source that requires no locating, excavation, transportation, or combustion. It's a simpler, cheaper, cleaner, and all-around better energy solution. The Solana Generating Station, located outside of Gila Bend, harnesses the power of the sun long after it goes down when APS customers need it most. Solana is one of the largest thermal solar plants in the world. This is an innovative technology that uses the heat of the sun to create steam to power a traditional turbine and allows the sun’s energy to be stored and used after dark. APS committed to buy 100 percent of the power output from Solana for 30 years, providing our customers with clean and reliable energy, while adding to Arizona’s economy. With enough energy to power 70,000 homes, Solana contributes to Arizona’s continuing leadership in solar energy.

Please do not spam my posts with crap from the internet!

thank you so much for share with us,,,
lovely

wow very excellent post Thanks for sharing i will done upvote..

When fossil fuel stock is coming down now its high time to think about a alternative source.Solar can be the best solution of power.If they are not doing good still I think they are producing good amount of energy.That is saving also our planet from pollution.In entire world every one is concern about power crisys. Solar can be tje best solution.Thanks for such important post.@upvote resteem

Solana uses the first U.S. application of an innovative thermal energy storage system with molten salt as the energy storage media, combined with parabolic trough concentrating solar power (CSP) technology. While the CSP technology is similar to technology that was initially used in the 1980s, Solana is the largest energy storage project and the first in the United States to store over 1000 MWh of energy that is dispatchable on demand without sunlight. The project spans roughly three square miles and consists of over 32,000 collector assemblies—each comprised of 28 curved mirrors—to efficiently concentrate the sun’s energy into a heat transfer fluid. A synthetic oil-based heat transfer fluid heats water to produce steam, which drives a conventional steam turbine generator.

I generally thought to be sun oriented boards to be alright for the earth and I was astounded that things being what they are not all is spotless, exceptionally fascinating stuff! Much obliged to you @surfyogi

The majority of these deficiencies are expected the administrations carelessness.

Same thing happened to the bhopal plant amid the gas catastrophe.

Had we people did our work appropriately, things would have been greatly improved.

Disastrous that such a major sun powered plant isn't put to its best utilize.

  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Sir, You always share the good & hidden content.
Its looks like a wonderful Solar project but after reading your post, it looks like it didn't work out properly. What's it current situation?
Thank you so much for that.
Wow Beautiful Photographs.

Sir @sufryogi I always try to follow your post.This post about solar is very important for all.Solar is now highly needed technology for tje whole world.It can create electricity very easily with low expanditure.This is a well come technology. Sir if you have some time then please visit my blog.Thanks in advance.

In case of Solar Power Plant, number of units generated and Tariff decides your profit. Number of units generated depends on:

1.Irradiance
2.Peak Sunshine Hours(PSH)
3.Quality of equipment used.
For Tariff, it totally depends on modes of business model and policies of government.For large scale solar power plant, Tariff decide your profit. If your tariff is less than 5, there is no point in investing your money because it will take more than 10 years to recover your money. At present government usually provides tariff from Rs 5.5-6 per unit. Roughly , in 8-9 years your money will be recovered and after that your plant will starts generating profit for you.If you are looking for big profits then i will suggest you setting a plant of more than 15 MW...... Really @surfyogi you share knowledgeable post which will surely help many in future ...... I had some knowledge about solar energy in india so I thought it will be worth to share this information

Something must be wrong somewhere, either financially or a problem with the government, because solar power is one of the most effective way of generating electricity without effects to the sorroubdings.
A lot of people is our African continent are beginning to see how productive solar power is and the cheap means of using it, instead of the high cost of hydroelectricity we pay to the governments or power holding companies, people now generate electricity for themselves with solar power.

I'm just surprised how big it is,what a great
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@surfyogi, Absolutely greatest information you provided via best quality post. I'm using solar power for some my home activities and I'm best fan of solar power. I've heard before about Solana solar plant in Arizona. I complete your trip report review. Exactly most interesting and powerful contents indeed. Arizona is still the second-largest solar installer in the U.S., but the state’s photovoltaic installations plunged 41 percent 2013 year, largely because many utility-scale power plants had been finished. Utilities have wrapped up enough solar to meet the state’s renewable energy standards for the foreseeable future.In 2016 Solana generating station 2016 were abysmal. But if not happened sure....it will also provides a new type of solar generating technology that likely will be more common in the future as another renewable energy collector. Thank you...

Authorities should keep track of the solar station..This apathy leads to nowhere.
I have the idea to implement a solar panel in my home so that I will be able to produce the electricity needed to run my house..But installing such is very costly..Here,near to my place,an airport operates completely in solar power! We can do if we have the desire!

i always thought they were traditional solar panels. That is crazy that they heat up the molten material running through that little tube to a temperature that high. I am also wondering how they produce air pollution. From what?

This is amazing boss. I love to spread good info, May i resteem?
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amazing! the enjoy

Is this the same company that received subsidies then almost went bancrupt? Sounds like they are still not doing well yet?

Excellent place friend how important these plants are in the world are healthier for our planet I think a lot of them on the autumn I saw a documentary of one in Indonesia it was magnificent how could that plant feed a whole town and with a great low cost of payment In reality, everyone won the consumer, the company and the planet or the site because the air was healthier and the rivers were not used to dam as in the majority of the electric companies in the world, I think it is a project that should be do globally excellent post dear friend I love it is very interesting and productive this topic good job greetings

SOLANA GENERATING STATION : This is amazing sir never seen like this,thanks a lot for sharing with us sir,good to see a bloppost from from as iam waiting from the past four days,have a nice day.

Solar energy is a right step towards curbing climate change and providing cleaner renewable energy too.
I got this message perfectly on the need to strife hard to carve a niche and watch to soar high from the quote below on Solana

Solana did generate more electricity in its second year but is still well below its advertised potential. The plant did worse the second quarter of 2016 than it did in the same period in 2015. And with a July 2016 “microburst", the plant's third-quarter results for 2016 were abysmal.

I wondered how Solana didn't breached the air quality principle or rule since Solar energy is a clean energy source. Any chances of air pollution even mild?

wow, what a great solar plant. Thanks for the information. I hope this type renewable energy system will be more common.

this is massive in the upcoming time seems like we all will be seeing a paradigm shift towards the renewable energy

I am a big fan of you sir. i am waiting for your post
thanks for sharing sir

slowly and steadily the potential will rise a lot didn't knew about this project thanks for sharing

Vote back

wow,,this is so amazing post,,thanks for your valuable post,,,

Excellent thing you shared about this recent trip wonderful things happening there and its a massive project

its really a knowledgeable post for us,,,,,,,they use a big area for this project....your article presentation segment so good......i like most your theme............best of luck..

Holy cow I had no idea that massive of solar stations even existed! Kind of breathtaking honestly. Made me look up the ones that were even bigger.

Also not to track off from your post, but I saw how you have also made an impact on the POH (Products of Help Initiative) and just wanna say its all incredible what it possible through the Steem blockchain. I've begun to start working with the project and plan on donating some of my earnings to it to hopefully keep changing lives with it.

Well with the upcoming years the production will be more for sure this is a mega project there

Yes right and China becomes world's largest solar power producer in 2017. I notice that the world is heading towards a world free of toxic emissions and this is important to us, the human race, because it will bring life back to our planet

This is really a huge solar power station. If India can also set up this station, this will end the electricity crisis here a lot.

Inspirational post! You know what they say.. "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."

They are using a big space for producing solar energy, its very good though but what china is doing that is relly great they are using sea space for producing solar energy.That is a superb idea that is saving land and using unused space.That is a very rich learning and educative post.Thanks for such post.@upvoted and resteemed

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I wonder why most companies take things for granted mosts especially safety concern. I'm pretty sure SOLANA knew the possible danger (s) her activities could cause the general public, but going further to allow such occurrence should attract more fines than which was imposed upon her in my opinion.

Moreover it has been operating far below expectation, that alone shows sign of incompetence. I thing SOLANA needs to recapitalise or maybe transfer of owner.

Thanks for posting this nice which adds to my knowledge against the SOLANA GENERATING STATION located near Phoenix, Arizona in Crazy Bend. I am so amazed, Solana solar plant is the 3rd largest in the world covering more than 3 square miles of land. Arizona is a suitable place to build large solar power plants because it is a sunny country @surfyogi
About how nature teaches, inspires, and answer questions live.
Nature has taught us that everything has to go through a process of
A beautiful Butterfly cocoons through the process first, then if we expect something wonderful and well never thought instantly
Thanks you so much for shar, Its very useful for me @surfyogi

It sure is an alternative !Seems indeed promising by the way !While some mistakes were indeed pretty top level though !

In the coming days hope they get to expand it even more !

I like these solar factories. We have to build more of these.
The most impressive ones are the heliostats with a tower in the middle:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Solar_Project

can't seem to get it right can they?
perhaps they need more tax money
that ought to fix it.

dont be amazed.Imagine if America had invested in solar power in the 80's...

Arizona would be providing energy for half the country by now, rather than North Dakota with its ruining of the earth only to create horrible trailer-towns with rampant prostitution, drug use, & alcoholism.

Makes me want to invest in Silver more 😬

Hello dear friend, use the great tag #artzone I hope to receive support, I do not know if #arzone gives you a retest or you have to win to be able to appear on your blog

Muy interesante post gracias por compartirlo.

I wish friend built these fantastic solar plants in all countries of the world would be fantastic I believe a lot in this fantastic energy post

Thanks for sharing good information like the issues along with pictures and also thanks for sharing other post about it as well.

This is beautifully created..thanks @surfyogi

Really amazing post from you.

Here in my country you need a plant so the electric service with motors in dams does not work every time it is more deficient since they do not do maintenance to propiado would be a nice and positive project to build a solar power station here...thats like a good job....
thanks for sharing sir@surfyogi

Wow.. @surfyogi unbelievable in fact this your post has to do with exactly am doing now online, I was checking prices for avoidable solar panels Cox of the problem of power here, we are going completely blackout since last three weeks a heavy Windy rain... Many roof's were taken off, lines and poles were cut and broken.. it's completely a bad experience..., Solar will solve the problem, but megawatt issue with calculation of what we used too high... that water my mind... I was about to go bed, but have to us VP .. when I checked your page I just saw exactly the issue am trying to solve... How I wish government could by this ideas you sure here, we have more than enough solar energy from sun..

An interesting fact is that China is the first renewable energy generator (Wind, Hydro and Solar, mostly), twice the US. But all that inmense power represents just under 25% of their total electricity needs.

This SOLANA PROJECT looks great ....it is really having a great potential to create huge amount of power i mean 280 MW means alot ...and that too for pretty much nothing.....it works on something that can never perish THE SUNLIGHT ....the basic source....i still wonder what humans create....the humans who once upon a time were surprised to see fire.....humans have evolved alot ,They are making things possible which once upon a time was even a dream....
If SOLANA project had made it possible to make such a great project to life ...why aint the maintaining it...they would get enormous amount of economy from it ....only thing they ned to do is maintain it.....it is quite confusing.....

This is a very informative one.
Solana Solar plant, the 3rd largest solar plant station in the world, fined a whooping 1.5million dollars for pollution when they set out to produce clean energy, what an irony.
They are using a new technology different from what is obtainable all around, that should have been the more reason why they would have put in extra effort at ensuring that all the human checks were carried out on time and as at when due because from where I stand I think the issues they are facing is because of human and management deficiency.
I hope they retrace their steps and do the right thing so that they can get back on track.

Long time no see @surfyogi. Wanted to tell you hello and hope all is well with you and yours.
Interesting post, is there a huge reflection off this panels? Where I live in Florida, about 10 miles up the road is a GRU owned large solar array. I figure they got a grant to build it. It’s right next to a body of water that is part of state park. Just odd.🐓

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Hello, good friend, I'm waiting for your next post, I loved the solar energy, too interesting. I suffer always in my country because of the electric service. I realize that we would never lose the light using these panels. Thank you when you can lean on me. blog I invite you greetings and blessings

Wow so much trouble to run the plant.

I think people should make research to work on its improvement,i really hope for a time when i can power light in my home from solar source

This type of storage is very important for renewable energies, which does not provide regular production. This storage system can also be used in hydro storage technologies. and smart grid can perform better supply according to demand. Electric cars can also be used in V2Gs if they need to store renewable energy in batteries.But I did not know it was a problem with the subject. I did not have detailed research.
Your article is very informative in terms of information. I liked it.
thank you :)

Very attractive solar system. benefit all of the entire community. this was awesome.

Hello @surfyorgi,

You have received up-vote from @steempeninsula account courtesy of @bob-elr and team.
Keep writing good post.

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  ·  7 years ago (edited)

Nice post @surfyogi

The use of solar panels remain the cleanest source of energy although its efficiency is lower.

The technology at Solana is a mere manipulation of the solar energy to run a mechanical system(steam turbine). Although efficiency may be higher here, the environment remains unsafe due to high carbon emission.

My comment aims at pointing out that solar is a clean form of energy but Solana goes beyond solar.