Intelligence Brief

The Texas-Mexico border gets its largest solar installation

25 November 2008

WorldWater & Solar Technologies has shared that the San Benito project is the largest solar installation of its kind along the Texas-Mexico border.
 
The company says its flat plate and concentrator solar technology -- which it produces produce through its subsidiary, ENTECH - will attract more public attention in this geographic area as a viable alternative energy source. Commercial applications vary in size from one kilowatt remote power units to large, multi-megawatt utility power plants.
 
"The 45 kW solar array is the largest of its kind on the Texas-Mexico border, and was constructed to help power the new water treatment plant for the City of San Benito, Texas. It utilises 224 ground mounted solar panels that tilt to follow the sun during the course of the day, producing more energy than fixed tilt systems," stated the company.
 
The system will produce 75 thousand kWh per year of clean, dependable electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by three million pounds, or the equivalent of 3,000 barrels of oil. The project will provide about 10 percent of the power used to filter water at the plant.
 
The Texas General Land Office selected San Benito as the site for its border solar showcase project using funds provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The North American Development Bank agreed to monitor the project, intending to incorporate solar energy into future border infrastructure projects.