National Science Foundation • Division of Astronomical Sciences
Gemini North’s new photo-voltaic solar panel system sets world
record for the highest-altitude system connected to a grid
Prepared by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
National Science Foundation • Division of Astronomical Sciences
SCIENCE
PEOPLE
TECHNOLOGY
Gemini Observatory leads in the use of
renewable energy sources on Maunakea
"The PV panels [on Maunakea] are the second
highest in the world by about 200 feet [~61
meters]. The highest are in Tibet." says Maui
Pacific Solar founder and president Mike
Carroll. "However, it is the highest rooftop
mounted PV system in the world that is
connected to the utility.”
Gemini Observatory finished installation
of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the
roof of its telescope on Maunakea this
week. The PV panels were installed by
Maui Pacific Solar and took about six
weeks to complete.
"While PV panels require a significant
investment," says Gemini Lead Engineer Chas
Cavedoni, "we predict that the investment will
be recovered in less than four years."
The solar panels are scheduled for connection
to the electrical grid within a month.
Prepared by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy