Okay, Google hasn’t really unlocked the genetic secret to grow solar trees (I’m sure they will soon), but their solar installation is really like a solar forest. In a previous post, I wrote about how Google gave its employees a lift with the Google Shuttle Program. The program brings hundreds of workers to and from its offices each day, and in the process, removes hundreds of cars from the roads.
I recently discovered another great Google initiative, the Google Solar Project, which “went live” last year. In October 2006, Google announced an initiative to install over 9,200 solar panels in its Mountain View campus, nicknamed the “Googleplexâ€. The solar panels are installed everywhere from the top of their buildings to their parking lots. In fact, one great side benefit of the solar arrays is that a huge amount of covered parking was produced. I wonder how much energy is saved for employees who don’t have to use their air conditioning because their cars were not baking under the sun all day?
Google’s solar array went live last year and produces an estimated 1.6 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 1,000 homes. The undertaking was immense and is one of the largest corporate installations at the time (and it is still one of the largest corporate installations). To understand the scale of electricity produced, the panels are expected to offset approximately 30% of Google’s peak electricity consumption at those buildings. Although the return on investment is estimated to be between 5 – 10 years, Google undertook this project to help fulfill its role as a responsible corporate citizen, something more companies and people should aim to do. Not only is Google saving electricity, but they are also saving money and using this as a working lab to demonstrate the feasibility of large solar installations.
Although installing a solar array can be fairly expensive and not an option for many people, it’s great to see companies like Google stepping up to do its part. Many other companies have already installed solar arrays, and many more are beginning to do so. I do have one question. Who gets the fun job of cleaning all these solar panels?

