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Solar Source Installs Cuba’s Largest Solar Array at Guantanamo Bay
Solar Source Mar 12, 2012
The 1,200 panel solar power system will generate clean electricity for
the military fitness center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.
Largo, FL - Tampa-based solar contractor, Solar Source, completed construction on a 1,200 panel solar power system at the Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The solar array, which is the first of its scale on the island, will produce clean electricity to power a new fitness center for military personnel. “We are proud to help the Navy take a significant step towards its goal of cutting fossil fuel dependence in half by 2020,” said company President, Wayne Wallace. Solar Source provided engineering, procurement, and construction for the approximately 300 kW ground-mount solar energy system, which required giant six-foot screws and custom engineered and to pre-drill and penetrate the dense shell and rock ground. The turnkey solar installation is part of a larger military effort to save money by lowering power bills.
The military base at Guantanamo Bay has produced itʼs own electricity since the 1960ʼs when Rear Adm. John Bulkeley spearheaded the baseʼs efforts to become independent from Cubaʼs water and power supply. Electricity is expensive for the base, with diesel fuel being shipped in from overseas. The naval base is undergoing several conservation measures, including “mock utility bills” and the use of alternative vehicles.
About Solar Source
Solar Source (Constructive Resource, Inc. dba AAA Solar Source) is a licensed solar contractor (CVC056646) specializing in residential, commercial and industrial projects including Photovoltaic (PV), solar pool heating, domestic water heating (solar hot water), attic ventilation, and more. Solar Source installs systems for commercial businesses, homeowners, government facilities and schools across North America and beyond. Solar Source installed the largest solar pool heater in the world, in Mexico, the first roof top megawatt PV system in Florida, and is currently developing a four MW project for two school districts in New Jersey. Solar Source completed a large domestic water heating project for Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL and has heated the pools for the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and Athens in 2004. Solar Source is the founding entity of Solar Source Institute, a licensed educational facility that provides solar training for the construction industry.