Day 272 – September 29, 2018
Look Up – Lens-Artists Photo Challenge / From the Back – A Photo A Week / From The Car – Weekly Prompts Photo Challenge / #SixWordSaturday / Day 29 – #SeptemberSquares / Stunning – WODC / Cheap – FOWC / Fall – RDP / Autumn Sun – citysonnet DWP / #470 – Weekend Reflections
This may actually be one of those posts where all challenges and prompts are in the photo(s). Might be a tad bit of a stretch with one or two, but they are there. 😬 This was not at all what I was planning g on doing today. It is something I had in my Save for Later list, because when you know what it is and what it does, and then look at the photos below, you’ll know why. But as I drove by the Mount (short for Mount St. Mary’s University which is right along the main highway, only a few minutes from my house) the reflection of the sun of the panels was too tempting. I had planned to capture our local festival, but I ended up not going today, so tomorrow will have to do. Just a few years ago the University of Maryland bought/rented a few acres of land that sits behind and next to the practice fields and stadiums. The intent was to put in a solar farm that would provide the electricity to power the University. I believe the Mount was able to contract a portion of the generated power to cover the stadiums, practice fields and field house. In order to generate that much electricity you would think you would need incredible amount of panels. Well…
The first photo is a reference for the size of just one panel. The second is a small section of the grid. One of the converting power plants sits in the center toward the back. Bottom photo on left is one quarter of the grid. Bottom right is a panoramic shot (click to see a full shot) of the grid. This represents ¾ of the entire system. You may notice what looks to just be a bunch of dirt mounds. Scattered among the “mounds” are battery houses (that’s how I have heard them described). Each grid or cluster feeds one of the houses, which collect and then send to the main power grid. The panels are situated in sections facing different parts of the sky in order to always be receiving some solar energy any season, any time. I have always been fascinated by magnitude and the positive effect they have on our ecosystem. Oh and remembering that they are powering a school 75 miles away. Hope your weekend is going well. Stay safe!
3 of Many
Proscenium 
Wow, what an interesting photo-shoot! I love how these are powering a school!❤
LikeLike
Haha! I was thinking of this song from a video of some army guys dancing to it in Iraq. I recently checked out of a conference comparing the benefits to all the alternative energy sources: solar, wind, water. It’s great that it’s powering up the school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was and continue to be amazed! Thank you so much for stopping and commenting! That means a lot!
LikeLike
Wow! Those panels are huge. Is that section just for the university, or is the generated energy used in the rest of the town as well? I’m trying to wrap my head around how many panels it takes to power a school or town.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From what I was told it is the power supply for the entire University of Maryland. I also heard that there are some DC locations that benefit. But 90% of the coverage is UMD. And as I mentioned this continues in many other places. I see them daily and it still blows my mind. The other amazing fact is that you have to know they are there to see them from the road.
LikeLike
An interesting approach to the challenge- and to addressing environmental issues. Good for them for their creativity
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover photo does have a looking up element. (It’s why I wanted to def hit the 9’ clearance signs 😳😬 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m struggling!!!! Is it me?! 🤔
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re struggling with the pink?
LikeLike
Oh help the month has got to me hasn’t it, I better go and lie down!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t worry about it. It’s not worth the stress. Only one last “pink” day and your good for a couple of months 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ps. I liked what I did for the last one but I didn’t get to compose my “idea” but it will happen and you will be tagged! 😘
LikeLike
Ooh I’m intrigued!! And just love your final pink, you’ve been such a fun participant, I’ve loved your brilliant unexpected and random. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is the sweetest thing I have heard. 💕 And it is just what I needed to hear today! So,thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That song takes me back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was counting on your comment about the song! 😜😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first time I heard that song I seared in my mind for some reason. Nice memory!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am trying to place where I first heard it. The memory is there just a blur. I do remember it being played so much I got sick of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first time I heard it I was being introduced to an authentic Monte Christo sandwich. Maybe that’s why it sticks with me?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be a pretty solid anchor for that memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right. I’m about 19 years old thinking, “How have I lived this long not knowing there is some kind of deep fried ham and cheese sandwich sprinkled with powdered sugar?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
With JAM on the side!!! What????
LikeLiked by 1 person