September 12th, 2006
Germany's biggest solar electric plant opened last September 1 in the southern German state of Bavaria. It also happens to be the world's largest solar electric plant.
With more than 1,400 movable solar modules capable of collecting energy for 3,500 homes, this $90 million 12 megawatt powerhouse took 15 months to complete. With automatic tilting and rotating capabilities, the solar panels, located over a span of 77 hectares, is capable of catching the most of the sun's rays, all day everyday.
The solar plant demonstrates Germany's commitment to solar energy generation. Last year, the country invested 3.7 billion euros in solar energy. Although still accounting for only 1% of the country's energy requirement, the Germans believe that solar energy is part of the bright future wherein it will contribute as much as 5% by 2020.