The Air Force is reportedly finalizing the details of a large solar energy project at Luke AFB, Ariz., that would provide electricity for a majority of the base. The Arizona Republic reported Monday that the 17-megawatt solar system under consideration would be among the largest in the nation, with a power capacity equivalent to running appliances in 4,250 homes at once when the arrays are in direct sunlight. Already the service operates a massive 14-megawatt solar system at Nellis AFB, Nev. Luke already uses solar arrays atop its base exchange.
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
