The largest solar farms in the world


Solar energy is gaining in popularity. Most people know solar power as the rooftop panels that are being installed on more and more houses; or projects like Elon Musk’s Solar Roof. However, there are many different applications for solar and many ways energy can be generated using the power of the sun. Electricity is the most common use, but solar energy can also be used to heat water for use in the home, or a swimming pool, etc.
Solar arrays can also be used to redirect the beams of the sun to a central point which is then converted to heat energy to drive turbines, much like a coal plant would use a burner – only this time there are no emissions, and just clean energy. A large array of solar panels, be it photovoltaic or thermal, is called a solar farm. Here we take a look at a few of the biggest in the world.
Tengger Desert Solar Park
Located in China, the world’s largest solar farm uses solar PV panels to generate 1,500MW of electricity. This plant covers 43 square kilometers in the world’s most heavily populated country.
Datong Solar Power Top Runner Base
Still under construction, this Chinese power plant will eventually triple in capacity from its current 1,000MW installation.
Ivanpah Solar Power Facility
At 392MW, this solar thermal power plant wouldn’t make it in to the top ten of PV plants, showing that the capacity using thermal is easily overtaken by photovoltaic farms. However, the technology remains useful in areas constrained by space and with good solar irradiation. Located in San Bernardino County in the USA.
Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS)

Located in the Mojave Desert, this plant uses a slightly different technology than the world’s largest solar thermal power plant, but it still boasts a 359MW capacity ranking it at number 2 in the world. A total of 9 units generate electricity at this plant. 

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