White Sands Missile Range to Install Solar Panels

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) will include solar panels as part of the energy efficiency program with an intention of making the entire building energy self-contained. Other than the solar panels, WSMR is also looking forward to including energy-efficient lighting, electric motors and several heating and cooling devices.

Craig Collins, Energy Manager for WSMR's Directorate of Public Works, has stated that they are focused on becoming energy self-sufficient by 2020, generating as much electricity as they consume. The Army hopes that by developing power plants in their range, they can considerably reduce the environmental effect of military activities as well as minimize cost and enhance promptness. They need not depend on inhabitant infrastructure, which is susceptible to disruption during violence. In addition, the Army could sell the excess power produced in the plant to the local grid , enabling them to cover the operational expenses of the installation.

As per the Energy Saving Performance plan, energy efficient systems will be included around WSMR and the parking area of the WSMR's headquarters premises will include a group of solar panels. The solar panels are likely to produce sufficient power required by the office buildings of WSMR for a complete year. In addition, the panels will be modified to cope with tough weather situations of WSMR, thereby  ensuring competency.

Collins has mentioned that the Directorate of Public Works has demanded that the installations must endure winds moving at a speed of 100 miles per hour. Therefore contractors building the installation and renovating WSMR buildings are focused on making the installation highly reliable. It was reported that the money saved by the alteration process will be given back to the contractor who accomplished the task.

The installation of solar panels and other renovations are likely to commence by the end of this year. The future plans of WSMR include building nuclear, wind and solar power plants in the premises. The modular nuclear reactors will feature self-sufficient units that are concealed and operated from a close by plant. However, formal decision has not been made on the nuclear reactor as well as other alternate energy options. Collins mentioned that WSMR tops the list of installations under concern for options of alternate sources of energy, as they are reasonably small installations and also include several natural sources.