Comments on: Forget Solar-in-a-Suitcase, the Air Force is getting Solar Power in a Shipping Container

By: Sean Crust

Sean Crust — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 13:34:00 +0000

I have found a solution for one part of the problem , check out off world power solutions they have a thing s named the SKA power units , there are refiting 20 ft and 40 shipping containers with fold up solar panels , inverter s, battery banks and diesel gen sets

By: Paul Felix Schott

Paul Felix Schott — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:48:00 +0000

Great News From the Pentagon Clean Fuel Energy From the Sun July 19, 2011
In Hawaii The Department of Defense will start to cover its Military
Family Housing with Solar Energy. This will greatly help stop the need
for Oil in the Hawaii Islands. This is just the start to the D.O.D.
reducing its 4 billion dollar need for Dirty Energy. From now on the
D.O.D. will look to Renewable Energy, Clean Energy. The Hawaiian
Islands will see the Largest Solar covered homes and housing Roofs in
the World 6,000 units. Thanks to William Lynn Deputy Secretary of the Defense and
Steven Chu Secretary of Energy and to many others. The D.O.D.
has some 300,000 building the day will come when all will be powered by
Clean Energy. i can not thank all that made this happen enough.
GOD Bless
United We Stand In GOD We Will Always Trust
Story By
The Lord’s Little Helper
Paul Felix Schott

By: Craig Shields

Craig Shields — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:49:18 +0000

It’s nice to see this particular branch of the government being proactive in the field of alternative energy – especially since the US military is the single largest consumer of oil fuels in the country.

I think the above comment by ‘electric vehicle’ brings up a definite potential that could be explored, and which would also address Charles R. Toca’s above concern. Considering the advances in the use of molten salt as an energy exchange and storage medium, night-time generation and power fluctuation worries could be addressed.

I happen to think solar thermal, using this salt medium, is the way to go for the whole nation – as well as holding excellent potential application for the military in the field. A string of 100 such plants across the Sunbelt in the US that are each 10.5 miles on a side can provide all the electricity the nation now uses day and night regardless of the weather. Sound unbelievable? Check this out: http://2greenenergy.com/solar-thermal-leader/2534/

I have to say I’m really impressed by the extent and variety of the coverage on CleanTechnica, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn from and share with other like-minded people here.

Craig Shields, Editor, 2GreenEnergy.com

By: Charles R. Toca

Charles R. Toca — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:56:37 +0000

Now they just need to add energy storage so they don’t have to ramp the generators up and down when the clouds cross the solar PV or the wind is gusting.

By: Brian Smith

Brian Smith — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:36:37 +0000

Being able to generate power in the field and to reduce dependence on the logistics tether is a key for US forces operating overseas. Part of the driver is the need for energy security and part is the need to maintain operational flexibility. Developing alternative fuel sources lowers the exposure of US forces to rapid shifts in global energy markets and gives them some more control over the availability of energy. Encouraging efficiencies creates operational flexibility by providing more alternatives in the field and reducing the restrictions on commanders’ initiative created by logistical constrains. Sustainability of US forces has the potential to be a significant force multiplier by reducing the forces required to protect convoys and supply routes.

By: Frank Hanlan

Frank Hanlan — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:37:09 +0000

It would be interesting to know if any of the other NATO forces are doing anything similar.

By: electric vehicle

electric vehicle — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:44:02 +0000

Nice idea… mobile solar farms ???

By: Jared

Jared — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:58:37 +0000

Tina,

You’re hitting the nail on the head with these posts about DoD’s initiatives in sustainable energy. I like the competitive spirit and technical capabilities that the armed services bring to this critical issue, and I’m glad to see them being recognized for their efforts. I think Americans have begun to see the events that you speak of (Gulf spill, TVA disaster, etc.) as legitimate threats to our security, and we have definitely felt the impacts on our daily lives. DoD sustainability is critical for a number of reasons then- their massive use alone demands it, and they are of course also the defenders of our nation. It’s an interesting relationship, but the two groups have certainly found plenty to talk about (and agree on). Keep up the good reporting!

V/r,

Jared