Photovoltaic solar energy development on landfills - Fact Sheet

Publication Number:    CEC-500-2012-FS-016

Abstract:
The goal of the project is to determine whether placement of a self‐ballasting photovoltaic solar racking system will affect a closed landfillʹs dirt cap. The effects on landfill settlement and power generation performance will be measured with a closely monitored pilot experiment wherein single racks with photovoltaic modules will be placed on a landfill cap. This innovative approach could produce power on previously disturbed landfill sites, instead of using large areas of remote and Photovoltaic solar panels with a self-ballasting system. Source: www.pvnavigator.com environmentally sensitive desert lands, as is the case for some large‐scale solar developments. There are an estimated 35,000 acres of suitable, closed landfill sites throughout the state, with the potential to generate up to 7,000 megawatts of solar energy while avoiding sensitive biological resources. The data and resulting guidance manual will aid the development of more landfill‐located photovoltaic solar projects and will be made publicly available. This information may be useful for permitting future photovoltaic systems on landfills.

Commission Division:    Technology Systems Division - R&D, PIER (500)

Office/Program:    PIER: Public Interest Energy Research

PIER Program Area:    Renewable Energy Technologies

Date Published:    March 2012

Date On Line:    03/20/2012

Acrobat PDF File Size: 2 pages, 193 kilobytes