Figure 2.
The Gemini Roof Cam
captures workers
installing the PV
panels on the roof of
Gemini North.
Figure 3.
PV panels now cover the
entire roof.
Sun hours a day as opposed to Hilo, with
only 4.6 peak Sun hours a day, resulting in a
39% benefit; second, PV systems operating
on Maunakea at low summit temperatures
of ~45º F versus ~80º F at sea level result in
another 10% improvement in performance;
finally, PV systems operating almost 14,000
feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, where the
Sun is more intense due to reduced atmospheric absorption, results in an additional
10% benefit. The approximate energy output
of the panels on the telescope is expected to
be about 100 kilowatts.
66
GeminiFocus
Gemini Observatory continues to explore
new ways to improve operational efficiency.
“While PV panels require a significant investment”, says Gemini Lead Engineer for the
project Chas Cavedoni, “we predict that the
investment will be recovered in less than
four years.”
Alexis-Ann Acohido is a public relations intern at
Gemini North. She can be reached at:
[email protected]
2015 Year in Review
January 2016