Alexis-Ann Acohido
Gemini Harnesses the Sun from Both Hemispheres
Figures 1-2 . Photovoltaic panel installations at the Gemini South Cerro Pachón facility in Chile ( top and bottom ).
In 2015 the Observatory installed photovoltaic ( PV ) panels on the Gemini North Maunakea facility . Now we have done the same on the Gemini South Cerro Pachón facility and the Gemini North Hilo Base Facility . The effort is part of our commitment to positive stewardship of our planet and eco-efficient operations .
Installation of an impressive 680 panels at the Gemini South Cerro Pachón facility was completed in late June , 2016 , and the cabling phase to connect them to Gemini ’ s electrical system should be completed by the release of this issue of GeminiFocus . The panels are on the rooftop adjacent to the telescope dome , as well as mounted on the ground ( Figures 1 and 2 ), and are estimated to provide ~ 20 % of the annual power consumption at the telescope .
January 2017 | 2016 Year in Review GeminiFocus
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