Solar Energy Installation, Mount Laguna Air Force Station, California

Description

DEPARTMENT OF FILM RELEASE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNITED STATES of WASHINGTON, D.C. O 20301 PLEASE NOTE DATE IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 28, 1979 OXford 7-6161 Release # 79-79 Footage: 51' 16mm Color Master Room 2E773 Time: 1:25 005000 SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLATION 005XXX 105925 2153 (Official U.S. Air Force film released by Department of Defense) 102468 DATE/PLACE: This footage was shot on August 15, 1979 at Mt. Laguna/08211 Air Force Station, California. 105027 SCOPE: This coverage was shot at the opening ceremonies of the world's largest solar cell electric power station at Mt. Laguna Air Force Station, California. BACKGROUND: The day when the sun will supply a significant share of electricity for our nation's homes, offices and factories is still well the future. But, for the 141 people stationed at Mt. Laguna Air ce Station in southern California, living and working in the shadow of the solar electric future are now an everyday occurrence. In mid-August, federal and military representatives activated the world's largest solar cell electric power station during dedication ceremonies at the small, mountaintop radar installation 60 miles east of San Diego. George Marienthal, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Environment, and Safety, praised the concept. Funded pri- marily by the Department of Energy, the 60-kilowatt solar cell power system is culmination of a 4-year têst and demonstration program. Solar cells, a remarkable spin-off from the U.S. space program, convert visible sunlight directly into electricity. They burn no fuel, produce no smog, leave no waste, and have no moving parts. They require almost no maintenance and last for nearly 20 years. Energy generated by the solar power system augments existing diesel power at Mt. Laguna where Air Force people keep a close watch on air traffic and maintain a vigil against sea-launched ballistic missiles for the North American Air Defense Command. Although 60 kilowatts is small by utility standards, the Mt. Laguna system is a significant step on the long road to practical, cost-effective solar generating stations of the future. -MORE-

Collection

Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer

Series

Filmed News Releases