Cuba’s Largest Solar Array at Guantanamo Bay Installed

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 augers 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 it’s own electricity since the 1960’s when Rear Adm. John Bulkeley spearheaded the base’s efforts to become independent from Cuba’s 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.

Tags: “Solar energy system”, ‘Solar power system”, alternative, conservation measures, energy system, Guantanamo Bay, guantanamo bay cuba, power bills, solar array, solar contractor, solar energy, solar installation, solar source

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