W. M. Keck Observatory and Duke Energy's Rec Solar Announce Completion of Major Sustainability Project in Hawaii
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. and MAUNA KEA, Hawaii /3BL Media/ - Duke Energy’s REC Solar and W. M. Keck Observatory have completed the world’s largest commercial solar system installed at the record-breaking altitude of 13,600 feet.
The rooftop solar project – located near the summit of Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii – will reduce Keck Observatory’s carbon footprint and lower its cost of energy.
The solar photovoltaic (PV) system is located on the rooftop of Keck Observatory’s telescope facility, between the domes of the twin Keck I and Keck II – among the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes. The system will annually produce 259.1 MWh of energy, which will reduce the observatory’s electric power needs by about 10-15% and eliminate 183 metric tons of carbon emissions.