Biggest Solar Panel Installations in America

Did you know that solar farms can last for 20 to 25 years? And a solar panel after installation can last for up to 50 years. As an Iowa native, I am a bit jealous that California ranks #1 when it comes to the installation of solar panels in the USA. About 14% of its electricity comes from solar panels, a number that is rising every year. In fact, they’re requiring solar on all new construction starting 2021.

The United States is filled with large and productive solar energy farms. Follow along to learn about the biggest solar panel installations in the country.

#1 — Solar Star

It’s a 579-megawatt solar power plant. The project finished in 2015, and it’s the world’s largest operating solar farm. The solar star is located in Rosemond, California. It uses 1.7 million solar panels. SunPower manufactures these panels. This solar farm is successfully delivering enough electricity to power 255K homes.

This farm was established on an altered land. It is cleaned automatically, but very minimal water is required for the clean-up.

#2 — Topaz Solar Farm

Located in the Carrizo Plain of San Luis Obispo County, this solar farm’s construction also completed in 2015. The land is spread over fifteen square km. It produces enough electricity for powering 160k homes via 580-megawatt energy. When it’s operating on its full capacity, it can power 180k houses.
The steel columns support the solar panels installed in this farm. With the help of this structure, the solar modules are held 5ft above the ground.

#13— Ivanpah Solar

It’s a concentrated solar thermal plant located in Mojave Desert, California. This solar farm was developed by BrightSource Energy & Bechtel. The farm’s total capacity is 392 Megawatts. It has 173500 heliostats installed, having two mirrors focusing solar energy on boilers. This is a truly impressive solar installation.

The farm opened in 2014 and became the world’s largest solar thermal power station. Even though it has been a success, many people have criticized the project for destroying animals’ homes and killing birds that flew too close to its hot towers. Birds who fly too close don’t realize they’re practically flying into a concentrated laser beam until it’s too late.

When the hot water towers spin the turbines, the steam generated produces electricity, which is sufficient for powering 140k households.

#4 — Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project

This is a concentrating solar power farm constructed near Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada. The farm spreads over 1600 acres. It’s established on public land, but the US Bureau of land management administers the land. The operational life of this farm is 30 years.

Its capacity is 110 megawatts. It is also the first utility-scale power land in the country that’s integrated with energy storage tech. It is home to a 540 ft tall tower, which is also the tallest tower in the world. The amount of energy it produces is capable of powering 75k households.

#5 — California Valley Solar Ranch

It is a solar photovoltaic power project. The farm is located in San Luis Obispo County. It produces 292-megawatt power. It became operational in 2013.
The 4700 of acres land contains the solar farm, facility buildings and some area that is preserved. It is capable of supply energy to 100k homes.

It’s all California baby! As you can see, most of the largest solar installations are in California or somewhere in the West. Not many are in other regions yet.

How can we get more solar in Iowa?

If you want solar panels in Davenport or Cedar Rapids, there are options out there for you! Even if you are still making mortgage payments, you can afford solar.

• Contact a professional solar installation company. A company like Iowa Solar can handle all your solar needs easily and they charge a fair price for it. Solar can be complicated, so it’s best to let a professional handle it. You can use an organization like the Solar Consortium to find installers that are near you.
• Buy your solar yourself and install it yourself. But be warned! No company is going to help support you in the installation if you realize halfway that you are out of your depth. This is only really a good option if you are a true handyman professional and you’ve changed more than 20 or 30 light fixtures (not light bulbs, the entire fixture) yourself. Electrical work is scary and not having a lot of experience in it can make it really hard. And in fact, many areas don’t even allow homeowners to make changes to their electrical systems.

Bottom Line

There goes the list of top solar panels in America. Many solar panel farms are supplying energy to households nearby.