Jun 14, 2016

Solar Power in the U.S. Military

By Bobby Shields

I am a Notre Dame grad and current Masters candidate in Security Policy at George Washington University. I study cyber security and energy security policy, with an interest in how renewable energy can affect U.S. national security. Andrew and I became friends soon after I arrived in DC in 2013. I've always enjoyed reading his blog and hearing his insights about solar over dinner at Keren Restaurant. Below is a short article summarizing my recent research on the topic of solar power in the U.S. military. Feel free to email me at rshields1@gwu.edu if you have any feedback!

Tim Bolger wrote about clean
energy and the military in
Sept. 2013--source
In August 2015, the U.S. Navy signed a deal to purchase power from a 150 megawatt solar farm in Arizona to help provide power to 14 military installations in California, making it the largest renewable energy purchase by the U.S. government to date. This deal adds to the U.S. military’s growing list of solar power projects, as the Defense Department races to make solar a staple of its energy portfolio.

Federal initiatives have fueled the U.S. military’s “solar surge.” Title 10 USC § 2910 mandates that the Defense Department consume at least 25% of its facility energy—equating to 3 gigawatts of energy— from renewable resources by 2025. The Obama administration’s recent Clean Power Plan regulates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in each state. These mandates have prompted the U.S. military to partner with state utilities and independent power producers to implement solar energy projects. As of 2013, the military has allocated billions of dollars to establish more than 130 megawatts of solar energy systems powering military bases in at least 31 states and the District of Columbia. The military has also invested in small-scale solar technologies for operational environments, including solar blankets and tents.

By aggressively incorporating solar energy into its energy planning, the Defense Department is (1) combating climate change; (2) strengthening its energy security; (3) and enhancing its operational mission capabilities in remote locations.

See more about the additions here
First, the U.S. military’s solar projects can help combat climate change. Being the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Defense Department’s solar energy pursuits can significantly reduce the U.S. government’s carbon footprint. Moreover, mitigating climate change contributes to the U.S. military’s mission. According to a 2007 Defense Department report, climate change “poses a serious threat to America’s national security…acts as a threat multiplier for instability…[and] will add tensions eve in stable regions of the world.” The U.S. military thus has a national security interest in investing in solar energy to help tackle climate change.

Second, solar energy projects strengthen the U.S. military’s energy security. U.S. military installations are vulnerable to electrical grid disruptions from natural hazards, and physical or cyber attacks. Solar energy technologies can diversify military installations’ energy sources and increase the scope of onsite power generation to hedge against these electrical grid disruptions. Solar energy technologies thus add to the resiliency of military installations and help ensure continuity of operations.  

Third, solar-powered facilities and equipment help military personnel meet mission objectives in remote locations. Lightweight and portable solar energy technologies provide a reliable alternative to power generators, which require costly and dangerous fuel resupply and storage. These technologies are already being deployed: U.S. Marines used portable solar panels and solar tent shields in a battle zone in Afghanistan’s Khyber Pass. The Defense Department will continue to fund research for flexible, lightweight solar panels for remote site generation in tactical battlefield applications.


The future is bright for solar energy use in the military. The Defense Department’s large purse and 25% renewable mandate will help lead the U.S. government’s push for solar power research and implementation. Solar power can even lead the way to future innovations such as microgrids—self-sustaining, islanded grid units—at military bases. In fact, the U.S. Army has spearheaded development of a microgrid that employs solar and other energy sources in Fort Bliss, Texas. Initiatives like this can make the military a leading figure in solar energy.

39 comments:

  1. There should be proper integration of agriculture and nutrition intervention which should also be reflected in government plan and policies.
    Melbourne CCTV Installers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fueled Inverter Generator is the ideal power answer for home and recreational use. Offering 900 beginning Watts/700 running Watts of clean power, best inverter generator for rv air conditioner

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  4. Employments like support and establishment don't require a long haul preparing and are thusly progressively beneficial for the individuals who don't have numerous abilities and are jobless. Zonnepanelen in 2019

    ReplyDelete
  5. You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this... Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. Installateur zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. Zonnepanelen kopen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great! It sounds good. Thanks for sharing.. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks Erotische massage

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also Warmtepomp

    ReplyDelete
  12. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here! Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  13. I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you very much for sharing such a useful article. Will definitely saved and revisit your site Zonnepanelen installateur

    ReplyDelete
  15. The 2005 Energy Policy Act gives two different ways to be given a solar vitality charge credit from the government. Solar vitality refunds are additionally offered by over half of US states. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well, this got me thinking what other workouts are good for those of us who find ourselves on the road or have limited equipment options. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  17. A large portion of the solar cells you buy accompany wiring advisers for assistance you interface them together into a working solar panel.Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  18. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts. Zonnepanelen kopen

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think I have never seen such blogs ever before that has complete things with all details which I want. So kindly update this ever for us. Installateur zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories. Zonnepanelen kopen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great post, please keep on sharing amazing article like this! It makes me happy reading your post. Get the trustworthy solor panel installation services by alwaysenergy.com.au who have the qualified electricians for the installation. visit on Solar installation port Macquarie

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nice stuff, it was nice to see this article. It was really appreciable. Thank you so much for sharing such an informative article. Flexible Solar Panels For Boats

    ReplyDelete
  24. These heavy duty deck solar post lights can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including rain snow, wind, and hot or cold temperatures. google solar sheet

    ReplyDelete
  25. Solar energy is now one of the most important sustainable energy sources. No wonder that more and more solar parks are being built. solar panel information

    ReplyDelete
  26. It controls the machines that most us utilize day by day.Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  27. On the off chance that you are keen on utilizing free, ecological amicable vitality to control your family unit, and you need to have a solar panel cluster introduced, one of the most essential necessities you have to monitor is the quantity of solar panels that you need. Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  28. Designing (or redesigning) a building to take advantage of sunlight and heat is using passive solar power. This can be achieved by adding more insulation to your roof, or installing an extra south-facing window.ICE MAKER REPAIR IN ALTADENTA

    ReplyDelete
  29. Before you buy solar panels ensure you investigate the Solar Board Determination Sheet.Installateur zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  30. Solar authorities then again, are an arrangement of fluid filled cylinders.Zonnepanelen

    ReplyDelete
  31. Active or passive, no matter in what form it is used, the advantages of solar energy many. Today, Solar Exclusive there's not even a shadow of doubt regarding the immense potential of solar energy to replace conventional power and emerge, in its own right, as a completely viable and 100% sustainable alternative.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This isn't reasonable on the residents' part. This is on the grounds that the vast majority of them battle to make a decent living. Solar Providers Near Me

    ReplyDelete
  33. The most progressive solar energy frameworks are assessed to have a normal of 40% efficiencies. Be that as it may, while changing over the subsequent power (from solar energy) into light the effectiveness diminishes by 15%. Solar Pv Distributors

    ReplyDelete
  34. Play'n GO Casino
    When it comes to online gambling, 인천휴게텔 you're in luck as a casino 골드머니 game provider. That said, 벳 센세이션 our 파라오 바카라 gaming license holder doesn't have to license a specific game 김뿡 얼굴

    ReplyDelete
  35. So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Bet88

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response.
    Slot88
    Casino Online
    Rtp Slot

    ReplyDelete