Desert Sunlight Solar Farm
550 MW solar power plant in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 2015, Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is a solar power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 550 MW. It is operated by NextEra Energy.
Why It Matters
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm converts sunlight directly into electricity for United States of America, generating power for around 115,714 US-equivalent households per year. Utility-scale solar costs have fallen by roughly 90% since 2010, making projects of this size economically viable in regions that would not have considered them a decade ago.
Environmental Impact
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm produces no operating-stage emissions and minimal water use, displacing roughly 1.1 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Lifecycle emissions from manufacturing crystalline silicon panels are recovered within 1–3 years of operation, depending on the local grid carbon intensity.
Fun Facts
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 115,714 US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 11 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Desert Sunlight Solar Farm produce?▾
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm has an installed nameplate capacity of 550 MW. At typical capacity factors for solar plants (~25%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 115,714 US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Desert Sunlight Solar Farm located?▾
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is located in United States of America at approximately 33.8250°, -115.4000°.
When was Desert Sunlight Solar Farm built?▾
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm was commissioned in 2015.
Who owns Desert Sunlight Solar Farm?▾
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is owned and operated by NextEra Energy.
About Solar Power
Solar power plants convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic panels or concentrate solar energy to produce heat. They are renewable and produce no emissions during operation.
Other Solar Power Plants in United States of America
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Copper Mountain Solar Facility | 802 MW | Sempra Generation |
| ⚡Mount Signal Solar | 794 MW | 8minute Solar Energy |
| ⚡Solar Star | 579 MW | BHE Renewables |
| ⚡Topaz Solar Farm | 550 MW | BHE Renewables |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.