For more than a year, San Jose's SunPower has been touting a 14-megawatt photo-voltaic solar array at Nellis Air Force Base
in Las Vegas as the largest in the nation. That's about to change in a big way.
Pacific Gas & Electric announced two deals Thursday that will result in 800 megawatts of power from massive facilities using
PV panels enough to power nearly a quarter-million homes, according to the utility.
SunPower, best known for making solar panels used on homes and businesses, will now build a utility-scale-size plant. The 250
megawatt facility, to be constructed in San Luis Obispo County, will start generating power in 2010 and reach full capacity
in 2012. It will require approval from local and state regulators.
The second deal, announced at a press conference at PG&E's San Francisco headquarters, is even larger. The utility said it
will buy 550 megawatts of power from a plant built by OptiSolar, a Hayward company. The plant, to be called the Topaz Solar
Farms, uses thin-film solar panels that use sunlight to create electricity. Its technology allows it to deposit a thin layer,
or film, of amorphous silicon on solar panels.
"It's monumental," said Julia Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association in Washington, D.C. "I really
think it demonstrates that the time for solar has come. It's not some small niche thing anymore for rooftops."
Jose's SunPower has been touting a 14-megawatt photovoltaic solar array at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas as the largest
in the nation. That's about to change in a big way.
Pacific Gas & Electric announced two deals Thursday that will result in 800 megawatts of power from massive facilities using
photo voltaic panels enough to power nearly a quarter-million homes, according to the utility.
SunPower, best known for making solar panels used on homes and businesses, will now build a utility-scale-size plant. The 250
megawatt facility, to be constructed in San Luis Obispo County, will start generating power in 2010 and reach full capacity
in 2012. It will require approval from local and state regulators.
The second deal, announced at a press conference at PG&E's San Francisco headquarters, is even larger. The utility said it
will buy 550 megawatts of power from a plant built by OptiSolar, a Hayward company. The plant, to be called the Topaz Solar
Farms, will also be built in San Luis Obispo County. It will use thin-film solar panels that use sunlight to create
electricity. Its technology allows it to deposit a thin layer, or film, of amorphous silicon on solar panels.
"It's monumental," said Julia Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association in Washington, D.C. "I really
think it demonstrates that the time for solar has come. It's not some small niche thing anymore for rooftops."
Numbers confirm the scope of the announcement. Hamm's group has tabulated recent announcements amounting to 95.5 megawatts of
solar power from central-station photo-voltaic plants. If constructed, the plants announced by PG&E will generate more than
eight times as much power. SunPower's biggest installations include the one at the Nellis base and four in Spain between 18
and 23 megawatts. It also has announced a deal with Florida Power & Light for two projects totalling 35 megawatts.
"The size perspective is very important, and quite shocking," said Fong Wan, PG&E's vice president of energy procurement. "We
believe that PV has come to the point where it competes effectively with other alternative forms of energy, and it's pretty
close to making a good run at gas-fired power."
For SunPower, it's a full-circle moment, as founder Richard Swanson envisioned large solar farms in the desert shipping power
to cities back in the 1970s. It wasn't economically feasible then, he said, but technological innovations and increased
production volumes have made it so now.
"As costs have come down, the cost of alternatives have gone up, so we're rapidly reaching a tipping point," said Swanson,
SunPower's president and chief technical officer.
Companies such as Palo Alto's Ausra and Oakland's BrightSource Energy have signed deals with PG&E to produce energy at solar
thermal plants where arrays of mirrors heat a fluid and turn a turbine. But the SunPower deal, where electricity is generated
using silicon-based photo-voltaic solar modules, will "probably have people falling off their chairs from Osaka to Madrid,"
said Julie Blunden, a SunPower vice president. That's because many still think photo-voltaic systems are only suitable for
homes and businesses, she said.
For OptiSolar, the news represents a milestone. It announced its intention to build the 550-megawatt plant earlier this year.
Now, it has a buyer for the power.
That plant will be huge covering nine square miles. "But it's very visually unobtrusive,'' said Randy Goldstein,
OptiSolar's chief executive officer. "The modules are fixed in place and are three feet off the ground. It almost looks like
a lake."
OptiSolar has said it will build a 1 million-square-foot plant in Sacramento to make the panels and other hardware needed for
this project and subsequent ones.
In a statement, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called the solar news "a huge step toward meeting our long-term renewable energy
and climate change goals "
In all, PG&E says, the two plants will deliver 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. The utility now says it has
3,600 megawatts of renewable energy contracts. It is required under state law to get 20 percent of its power from renewable
sources by 2010.
30 hrs.00, 19.Jaigarh FortKnown as the Fort of Victory, Jaigarh Fort is the most imposing tourist attraction in Jaipur. In the year 1972, the Rambagh Palace was converted into a heritage hotel and is now one of the premier attractions on your Rajputana Splendour itinerary.Statue Mattress Fabric Suppliers Circle,The full length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle is a landmark in a newly planned residential area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, the palace boasts a museum named after Maharaja Sawai Man Singh, a 7-storey facade 'Chandra Mahal' ('moon palace), Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). 20. Apart from the fascinating buildings, Jaipur is also home to beautiful works of art, handcrafted items, which are perfect for souvenirs, and semi-precious gems. Sanganer is also home to a fort, many important temples, and old palaces.
The garden was created by the queen of Jai Singh II as an escape from the court intrigues.Kanak ValleyThe picturesque Kanak Valley, formed by the Aravalli ranges, stretches from Amber town to Jaipur. Temples pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and water tanks) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot.Laxmi Narayan TempleAlso known as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the religious tourist attractions of Jaipur. The City Palace is a classic example of Mughal and Rajput architecture.00, 17. It contains a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative art objects, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a celebrated Persian Garden Carpet.Galtaji TempleAn ancient pilgrimage centre lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. The most impressive of all collections are the rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II.00, 13.Nahargarh FortThe Nahargarh Fort, also known as Tiger Fort, was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734, to strengthen the defence of Amer.. The big circle attracts large crowds in the evenings. Additional construction on the fort was done by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century. The observatory was built to study the movement of stars.SanganerIt is a small town near Jaipur, famous for its cottage industry. The fort houses the world's largest cannon on wheels.Amber FortJaipur tour can never be considered complete without a visit to the majestic Amber Fort. The town is located at a distance of 16 kilometers from Jaipur on the Tonk road. The fort offers magnificent views of the surrounding area.30 - 16. There are many beautiful havelis in the town as well. Beautiful idols of Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the temple, which looks amazing in the night.
It houses the Albert Hall Museum, the state Zoo, Ravindra Manch Theatre and several cafes and picnic spots in its premises. Set in a picturesque background, the splendid Amber Fort offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. Located about 258 kilometres from Delhi, the capital of India, Jaipur, along with Delhi and Agra, forms the well-known Golden Triangle tourist circuit. The digamber Jain temple of Sanganer is a famous Jain religious structure.00, 18. The interior dcor of the temple is comparable to the temple sat Dilwara.Ram Niwas BaghBuilt as a famine relief project by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868 AD, it houses a well-kept spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and a sport ground. A part of the palace today is museum that houses a collection of rare manuscripts, weapons, Mughal carpets and costumes, and Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures. It was built in 1876 to mark the visit of Prince of Wales to the city. The idol of Paraswanath with seven serpent hoods is the main deity worshipped here. Built in red stone and white marble, the Fort is a represents a fine blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Known as Jaivana, it was built in 1720. The small temple of the sun god built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.Sisodia Rani Ka BaghThe terraced Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (the Garden of Sisodia Queen) is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road at a distance of 6 km from Jaipur. Amber Fort Built on the hilltop outside Jaipur, Amber Fort is another famous tourist attraction in Jaipur. An ancient site now famous for its huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree converted hills where the citizens throng in a large number for picnic in the rainy season.Timings : 10. Built on the hilltop outside Jaipur, the construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century.
Surrounded by this scenic landscape is the 300-year-old temple complex, which houses a shrine dedicated to Govind deoji and Natawarji, and the Kanak Bagh garden.Hawa MahalHawa Mahal is one of the most common and popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. Further down the valley, sightseers are treated to cascading waterfalls, creeks and lush foliage. Built in 1718 by Sawai Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar Observatory is one of the five observatories that were built by the king.Ram Niwas GardenWas built in 1868 by Swai Ram Singh.00 hrs. Those who visit during the festive season can also witness some of the colourful carnivals of Jaipur. The museum and armory inside Jaigarh Fort are must-sees. The vast lake stretches over a length of 22. It is believed, out of the three underground tanks in the fort, one could store up to 60,00,000 gallons of water.00, 15.BIRLA PLANETARIUMIt offers unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system.Govinddev Ji ka MandirThe presiding deity of Jaipur is Govindeoji, Lord Krishna.Rambagh PalaceThis palace was built in 1835 by the Queen of Jaipur.5 kilometers, and varies between 3 to 11 kilometers in width. The Samode palace, now a heritage hotel, is the main tourist attraction here. The observatory is built in stone and marble. The fort is a mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is built in red stone and white marble. The Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century.
At a distance of about 15 kilometers from the city, perched in the midst of mattress fabric manufacturers thorny hills, the Jaigarh Fort offers a panoramic view of the city below. The temple attracts large number of devotes specially on the 'Janmashtmi', the day of Lord Krishna’s birth.Albert Hall MuseumIt is erected in the middle of Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur. Although some of the older sections of the fort have deteriorated, the sections added later, make it a must-see attraction in Jaipur. Phone: 2381594SamodeThis small town is situated on the way to Shekhawati from Jaipur, at a distance of about 42 kilometers. The museum has on display a rich collection of rare manuscripts, weapons, Mughal carpets and costumes, and Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures.Jantar MantarJantar Mantar makes another wonderful sight to visit. Entry fee As. The erstwhile royal family still lives in one section of the Chandra Mahal. Hawa Mahal was basically used as a veil by the royal women folk to watch the proceedings on the road below. The City Palace is another beautiful landmark that was built by Kachchwah Rajput rulers of Jaipur.
The temple is located between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal in the city palace complex, so that the rulers of the state could view the temple from their residences.Tourist Attractions in JaipurJaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is a tourist's paradise.00 show timings: 11.Today, the city unfolds a proud story of the rich architecture and the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and Mughal Empire.City PalaceA classic example of Mughal and architecture, the City Palace stands majestically in the heart of the city. Renowned as the Pink City for its distinctly coloured buildings, Jaipur, over the years, has lured many tourists and locals alike, to witness its grandeur. It is located in the center of modern Jaipur, it spreads over 33 acres of land.Ramgarh25 Kms from Jaipur. The building is made of sandstone and marble in Indo- saracenic style. The hand made paper and hand printed textiles are particularly noteworthy.Timings : 1000 - 1630 hrs.SambharLocated about 40 kilometers away from Jaipur, the small town of Sambhar is famous for the salt lake situated just outside the town. Initiated nearly 300 years ago, the city was designed, conforming to traditional architecture, by a famous Bengal architect. Today it is the one of most visited monuments in Jaipur. Sanganer print is a famous type of textile available in the markets of Jaipur. The city's magnificent monuments, impressive infrastructure and colourful shops are complemented by some of the best hotels in India