Could solar power help the military?

Using solar power could give the U.S. military some advantages – and more security. Diane Durden/U.S. Marine Corps As the U.S. military increases its use of drones in surveillance and combat overseas, the danger posed by a threat back at home grows.

How much will solar power save the military?

This is an enormous need for solar capacity: Only in 2015, after years of effort and investment, did the U.S. as a whole reach 20 GW of solar-generating capacity. And while our study found that the work will cost around $42 billion, it will save as much as $2 billion a year in electricity bills the military now pays to civilian suppliers.

Could solar power improve national security?

A new study by a team I led reveals the three ways American military bases’ electrical power sources are threatened, and shows how the U.S. military could take advantage of solar power to significantly improve national security. The first threat to the electricity grid comes from nature.

How much solar power do military bases need?

Most military bases remain unprotected against long-term interruption of electrical power. In our study, we found that the 3 GW goal by 2025 is far short of the real need: About 17 GW of solar-generating capacity would be enough to fortify the U.S. military domestically.

Should US military bases have a solar-powered microgrid?

US military bases usually get their electricity from the civilian grid, which is vulnerable to attack and to disaster. Solar-powered microgrids could protect national security, and would save money.

What would happen if the American military didn't have electricity?

Those pilots and their control systems depend on the American electricity grid – large, complex, interconnected and very vulnerable to attack. Without electricity from civilian power plants, the most advanced military in world history could be crippled.