Internet giant Google announced on Monday that it will build a 9,200 cell solar power installation to provide roughly 30 percent of the power needed by its Mountainview, CA campus. Google estimates that the project, which will cost about ten million dollars, will pay for itself within 10 years. Because the company will still be connected to the conventional grid, it will not risk losing power on cloudy days. During low-use periods, Google may even be able to sell surplus energy back into the grid.
Source: Matt Richtel, Search power takes a stand for sun power. New York Times, October 16.
Image Source: C.A.C.T.U.S. University of California at Davis.