US PV module and cell manufacturer Suniva will take up the responsibility of powering US-held Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.
Suniva’s OPTimus modules will help produce clean energy for a 700kW ground-mounted PV system, which will power Guantanamo Bay’s Navy Exchange Building.
The array, designed by World Electric Supply, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, is the largest solar installation to date on the naval base.
The system goes along with the Department of the Navy’s goals of generating at least 50% of shore-based energy requirements from alternative sources.
The US Department of Defense has taken a proactive role in expanding PV systems within military bases and other locations. Last August, the department awarded US$7 billion of contracts to develop and sell solar energy to the US Army.
Lee Tilka, World Energy Supply sales manager, said: “Our relationship with Suniva continues to provide great value to both companies. Their OPTimus module line has become a strong piece of our solution set. Given their power output and quality, Suniva’s OPTimus modules are by far the most appropriate fit for this installation.”
While Guantano Bay has produced its own energy since the 1960s, most of it has come as a result of expensive diesel fuel imports. The addition of the PV array will help reduce these costs.